EASTERN Visayas recorded on Friday, August 14, its highest single-day jump in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases with 75 new infections, bringing the total number of cases to 1,539.
The Eastern Visayas Regional Covid-19 Testing Center (EVRCTC) released a total of 391 laboratory results. Of these, 333 are negative and 58 are positive for coronavirus.
The 58 new cases are tagged as patients EV-1,465 to EV-1522, according to the Department of Health (DOH)-Eastern Visayas.
The 17 other positive results, tagged as patients EV-1523 to EV-1539, were released by the Divine Word Hospital Virology Laboratory (DWHVL).
The DWHVL released a total of 241 laboratory results, of which 217 are negative and 24 are positive (17 new cases and seven repeat tests).
Returning locally stranded individuals (LSIs) from Cebu City and Manila comprised the largest bulk of the cases.
Others include health workers and close contacts of Covid-19 patients.
As cases continue to swell in the region, DOH-Eastern Visayas asked the public to ignore the fake news circulating online regarding the technical specifications of the face shield and its corresponding suggested retail price.
According to the health department, it has not released any information as to the specific style and brand of the face shield.
“Any face shield could be used as long as it meets the minimum specification (Clear plastic or acetate material, provides good visibility, for resistant, adjustable band to attach firmly around the head, fit snugly against the forehead, full face coverage (completely cover the sides and length of the face), made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, disposable or re-usable),” DOH-Eastern Visayas said in a statement.
“Face shields must be used in complementary with the use of face masks to reduce the risk of transmitting and exposure to the virus. But face shields alone should not be used in substitution with the use of face masks,” it added.
Meanwhile, in Southern Leyte, the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force announced that it will implement a QR code system for contact tracing in the whole province.
During its recent meeting, the task force also discussed the establishment of a quarantine facility for health workers and a Covid-19 Testing Center in the province.
Earlier, the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc also developed and implemented QR code application for contact tracing in business establishments and borders.
As of Friday evening, August 14, Eastern Visayas recorded 993 (64.52 percent) recoveries and 540 total active cases. (SunStar Philippines)