PANGASINAN is experiencing continuous decline of COVID-19 based on data in recent weeks tallied by each municipality and city showing single digits in new cases.

This was bared by Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, and a member of the provincial Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging  Infectious Diseases, when he spoke before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on December 6.

Oro said the average number of cases of 148 and the attack rate of seven percent covering the period November 1 to 15 had significantly declined to just few cases with an attack  rate of just 0.41 percent from November 16 to 30.

He cited the 0.1 percent utilization rate of the existing isolation facilities that was previously recorded at 6.78 percent, pointing out there was only now one bed occupied out of 1,084 beds in the entire province.

Queried by Second District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza on guidance about the Omicron COVID-19 variant, Oro said there are still no specified guidelines issued by the national IATF but Governor Amado  Espino III, head of the provincial IATF ordered strict compliance with minimum health protocol, like the wearing of face masks, observance of social distancing and frequent washing of hands to stay away from the disease.

 

“We are always guided by the IATF resolutions,” he intoned.

 

He said that to further ensure the safety of the people of Pangasinan against the Omicron variant, the provincial IATF has directed the PNP to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy, as well as the seaports in Pangasinan being frequently visited by foreign vessels  to be on guard for their crew disembarking to obtain provisions and other logistical requirements.

 

Asked by Sixth District Board Member Noel Bince on what possible factors caused the significant decline of COVID-19 cases, Oro cited the continuous vaccination drive, increased hospital preparedness and the culture of cooperation among the citizens to all the health and safety protocols promulgated by the authorities.

 

Oro added that based on the figures from the Regional Vaccination Center, at least 36 percent of the eligible population of Pangasinan had already been fully vaccinated while 57 percent, which included the data during the National Vaccination Day from November 29 to December 1  had received their first dose of the vaccine. (Leonardo Micua /Ahikam Pasion/Jerick Pasiliao)

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments