THE Iloilo City health office (CHO) has strongly recommended the mandatory use of face masks as COVID-19 cases showed significant increase during the past weeks.
The recommendation particularly targeted senior citizens, individuals with comorbidities, immune-compromised individuals, pregnant women, the unvaccinated, and those showing symptoms of the viral infection.
As of last August 6, there were 252 confirmed cases in Iloilo City, with 39 of them active, and 13 deaths.
“This rise in cases underscores the urgent need for our collective action to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect the health and well-being of our population,” said city health chief Dr. Annabelle Tang.
The Health Office observed a significant two-week growth rate of 500 percent compared to previous monitoring data, where the COVID-19 spread had been at -46.67 percent. This means that 48 new cases were recorded within two weeks, compared to only eight cases in the previous monitoring period.
The daily attack rate also saw an increase from 0.12 (July 10 to 23) to 0.74 (July 24 to August 6).
Based on these figures, Iloilo City has been classified as moderate risk, with a high two-week growth rate, but a low average daily attack rate.
The health care utilization rate (HCUR) for COVID-19 in the city stands at 17.76 percent, while the HCUR for non-COVID cases is at 70.28 percent.
Tang emphasized the importance of enhancing preventive measures to ensure timely and accurate communication, and to provide support to those affected by the virus. The local health office plans to strengthen its media campaigns, reiterating the importance of washing hands, proper cough etiquette, and following guidelines for those exposed to COVID-19.
The health office also urges employees with respiratory symptoms to stay home and seek medical consultation.
Additionally, the CHO highlights the need for hospitals to implement strict infection and prevention control measures to limit local transmission among health workers and to prepare for a potential surge in cases by increasing ICU capacity, ventilators, and other necessary medical supplies.
Proper ventilation in enclosed, crowded, or poorly ventilated spaces, such as intermittent opening of windows, is also recommended to help reduce the spread of the virus.
