THE Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas recorded 27 new cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the region, bringing the total to 95, as of Thursday, April 16.
Of the number, 24 are from Cebu City, while three are from Lapu-Lapu City.
The DOH, through the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center sub-national laboratory, released Thursday 211 test results, and 184 were negative while 27 were positive for the new coronavirus.
Earlier, Mayor Edgardo Labella said that the 24 new cases in Cebu City are all residents of Sitio Zapatera, Barangay Luz, which has been on lockdown since April 7. He said most of the patients are asymptomatic.
DOH-Central Visayas Director Jaime Bernadas said the new Covid-19 cases in Sitio Zapatera, Barangay Luz confirm that there is a community transmission of the virus.
"So safely, we can really conclude now that there is a community transmission in Sitio Zapatera, Barangay Luz, Cebu City. That's why I recommend to isolate these positive cases, then isolate the entire sitio accordingly to its geographic location," he said.
He said most of the positive cases in Sitio Zapatera are asymptomatic, including the two nine-month-old babies.
"Mostly are asymptomatic, usa ra ang needed ug hospital. There are some with mild symptoms which is among giprioritize nga kuhaon didto. Tanan importante nato makuha ug ibalhin sa facility," he said.
Bernadas also said that the Covid-19 patients will be transferred to the Cebu City Medical Center quarantine facility either Thursday night or early morning of Friday, April 17.
A mass testing will also be conducted in barangays that have positive cases and with residents who have influenza-like illnesses. (JCT)