Increasing testing
More new cases reported as testing levels rise in the region
THE REGIONAL health department reported 11 small outbreaks of coronavirus on Wednesday, which were recorded over the previous 24 hours.
The largest numbered seven people and smallest three – and all had come from ‘social contact’ during nightlife outings and other similar situations.
Seven of the flare-ups were in Valencia city – and two in Alicante province, which were in Alicante city (three patients) and Elche (four).
The health department recorded 288 new cases around the region on Wednesday from the previous 24 hours – 10 in Castellón province, 76 in Alicante province and 202 in Valencia province, with 11 cases that have not been assigned.
This takes the number of active patients in the region to 1,871 – up from 1,130 last Wednesday and 299 on July 15.
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is also on the rise, with 136 patients now being treated compared with 86 at the same time last week.
A total of 10 people are being cared for in intensive care units – up by two from last week.
In Alicante province 51 coronavirus patients are being treated in hospital – up by 32 from last week – with six in intensive care (up by three).
A total of three people have died in the last week from
Covid-19 in the Valencia region.
On a local level, figures from the regional government show that Elche is one of the worst affected municipalities with 172 new cases in the last two weeks – Torrevieja has recorded 25 in two weeks, Orihuela 23, Benidorm 18, Dénia three and Jávea zero.
Oliva local health authority said its recent outbreak has been ‘contained’ and all active cases detected and isolated.
After a town hall employee in a non-customer facing role was diagnosed, her contacts were traced and eight further positives were reported.
All face-to-face public engagements and arts and entertainment activities were called off in the town until at least tomorrow (August 8).
Regional president Ximo Puig urged people to follow the regulations, wear a face mask and maintain social distancing.
“Any mistake – even amongst our circle of friends – can lead to the generation of serious problems for us and our family,” he said.
“We need to be completely intolerant of indiscipline and above all understand that this is a common cause.”
Care homes
Covid-19 cases have also been recorded in 14 residential care homes – six in Alicante province.
A home in Dénia has been forced to quarantine all its residents after an employee tested positive this week.
Management at the Santa Llúcia home for the elderly revealed that a case detected on Monday has forced the centre into lockdown and visitors are not allowed in.
A meeting was held on Tuesday morning with family members of residents to inform them of the situation.
PCR-testing began in earnest on Tuesday, with all staff and residents at the councilrun centre having to give samples.
Despite care homes being some of the worst-hit elsewhere in the country when the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, the Santa Llúcia had so far escaped – until this week.
Left without local police
Cocentaina was left without any police on duty for at least 48 hours after a member of the local force tested positive for Covid-19.
The town hall says the officer caught the virus off duty, and his test results were confirmed on Friday.
All other officers who had been near the patient without a mask or within two metres of him even with a mask were immediately ordered to quarantine at home.
PCR-testing was ordered for the entire force, and the local police station was shut.
The council said the Guardia Civil would be temporarily taking over local police duties.