EASTERN Visayas recorded on Wednesday, September 16, additional 72 cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), bringing the total number of cases in the region to 3,957, with 3,352 (84.71 percent) recoveries and 40 deaths.

The Department of Health (DOH) in the region said a total of 993 laboratory samples were tested in the Eastern Visayas Regional Covid-19 Testing Center (EVRCTC) and Divine Word Hospital Virology Laboratory (DWHVL).

EVRCTC released a total of 811 laboratory results, of which 752 are negative and 59 are positive for Covid-19.

The 59 new cases, tagged as patients EV-3886 to EV-3944, are from Tacloban City (11); Barugo, Leyte (12); Palo, Leyte (1); Calbayog City (8); Catbalogan City (16); Marabut, Samar (2); Paranas, Samar (1); Sta. Margarita, Samar (2); Allen, Northern Samar (3); Catarman, Northern Samar (1); Lapinig, Northern Samar (1); and Victoria, Northern Samar (1).

DWHVL released a total of 182 laboratory results, of which 168 are negative and 14 are positive for the virus.

The 14 positive cases included 13 new cases and one reswab of Patient EV-1812 from Paranas.

The 13 new cases, tagged as Patients EV-3945 to EV-3957, are from Tacloban City (3); Capoocan, Leyte (2); Baybay City (1); Tolosa, Leyte (1); Tanauan, Leyte (1); Javier, Leyte (2); Hilongos, Leyte (1); Palo, Leyte (1); and Sogod, Southern Leyte (1).

Meanwhile, the City Government of Maasin announced that all persons, both residents and non-residents/transients, are required to present the Quick Response (QR) Code when going around the territorial jurisdiction of the city and when entering the premises of public and private establishments including places of worship effective September 16.

Inquiries about the Maasin City QR Code System can be accessed through https://m.facebook.com/MaasinCityQRCode/.

“We, therefore, request all residents/non-residents to register and have it verified in order to improve the City’s contact tracing capabilities,” the city government said.

As of Wednesday evening, Eastern Visayas has 565 (14.28 percent) active cases. (SunStar Philippines)