COVID-19 could overwhelm health system in Eastern Visayas – DOH

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Health (DOH-8) has warned that if coronavirus disease (COVID19) cases will continue to increase in Eastern Visayas, it would be difficult for the health system, and may lead to exhaustion of resources and health personnel.

DOH-8 has recorded 396 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday, June 21, with Ormoc City having the highest number of cases with 50 patients, followed by

Tacloban City with 37, and Tarangnan, Samar with 35.

Dr. Minerva Molon, DOH-8 regional director, attributed the sudden surge to the number of returning residents and infected healthcare workers tested through intensified contact tracing.

The official said these include “Balik Probinsya” Program (BPP) beneficiaries, locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs).

“Because of the increasing number

of COVID-19 cases in our region, we are reminding the public that your cooperation and compliance of the health protocols are needed,” Molon said.

DOH-8 has also reported that one of its employees tested positive for the virus. However, the official assured that they were immediately able conduct contact tracing and swabbing of the patient’s close contacts.

“The close contacts are all quarantined while the confirmed case is admitted in a health facility. Our yellow and red zone buildings in the office are being disinfected,” she added.

Molon said they will also be having a meeting to review their office protocols and work arrangements.