THE Department of Health (DOH)-Eastern Visayas recorded on Thursday, August 13, 43 new cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), bringing the total number of cases in the region to 1,464.
The Eastern Visayas Regional Covid-19 Testing Center released a total of 381 laboratory results, of which 350 are negative and 31 are positive for Covid-19.
The Divine Word Hospital Virology Laboratory (DWHVL) also released a total of 276 laboratory results, of which 252 are negative and 24 are positive for Covid-19.
The positive results released by DWHVL include 12 new cases and 12 re-swabs of patients EV-1079 from Carigara; EV-957 from Capoocan; EV-960, EV-755 and EV-752 from Merida; EV-809 and EV-811 from Calbayog; EV-962 from Baybay; EV-914 from Tolosa; EV-981 and EV-909 from Palo; and EV-1196 from Isabel town.
Based on the results, the majority of the cases are returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs).
Meanwhile, employees at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) regional office were advised by the Tacloban City Health Office to be on home quarantine from August 12-14 while waiting for the swab test result of one employee whose family members were infected with coronavirus.
According to the Philippine Information Office (PIA)-Eastern Visayas, official transactions of the office at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA regional office are temporarily suspended.
In Ormoc City, Councilor Lalaine Marcos reminded the public that home quarantine is not allowed in their city.
“This is a policy that has since been adopted by the national, taking cognizance that home quarantines are easily open to abuse and could also endanger other family members in case the LSIs/Returning overseas Filipinos are infected,” she said.
Marcos said they have the Ormoc City Ligtas Covid Center at NHA Housing Project with free food and accommodation for coordinated arrivals from coronavirus-positive and non-coronavirus-positive areas.
For uncoordinated arrivals from coronavirus-positive areas, they are assigned to the Danhug Ligtas Covid Center where food will be rationed by the family.
“For uncoordinated arrivals from within the region, they are made to spend their mandated quarantine in their own barangay isolation areas. Depending on funds and resources available by the barangays, some isolation facilities are nicer. Only the basic amenities are needed. A makeshift room, a one way passageway, working comfort rooms, and containment areas for the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERTs) as they monitor the guests,” Marcos said.
“Food is provided by the families, and is not the obligation of the barangay,” she added.
However, for those who think barangay isolation is uncomfortable, Marcos said they can choose a city-accredited quarantine hotel or hostel in Ormoc.
As of Thursday evening, August 13, the total number of Covid-19 recoveries in the region is at 971 or 66.33 percent, while the total active cases is at 487. (SunStar Philippines)