Davao Region’s COVID-19 rises, Davao de Oro under Alert level 2

A total of 299 new cases of COVID-19 was recorded in the past week, April 10-16, in Davao region which is 34.08% higher compared to the 223 cases recorded on April 3-9, the Department of Health XI says in a situation update on Monday, April 17 this year.

For the past two weeks, healthcare utilization rates in the region also increased from 31.1% to 34.6% for non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) beds and 40.4% to 42.5% for ICU beds.

The increased positivity rate prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to recommend that Davao de Oro province, along with the other 25 provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUC), and independent component cities (ICC), be placed on alert level 2 until April 30 via IATF Resolution No. 6-C, which was signed and approved on April 14.

“The following provinces, HUCs, and ICCs shall be placed under Alert Level 2, without prejudice to their respective component cities and municipalities which may be under a different alert level classification,” the IATF said.

Moreover, IATF issued Alert level 1 status in some of the municipalities in Davao de Oro including Mawab, Nabunturan, Montevista, and New Bataan and among other areas in the country.

According to DOH, Alert Level 2 implied restrictions to some establishments or activities such that they “shall be allowed to operate or be undertaken at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and those under 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity”.

Meanwhile, Alert Level 1 indicated that “intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities” and “all establishments, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards,” DOH added.

DOH XI advised the people to be more vigilant and compliant with the minimum health protocols, thereby mitigating the spread of the virus.

“The public is reminded to continue practicing minimum public health standards: wear the best-fitted mask, isolate when sick, double up protection with vaccination and boosters, and ensure good airflow. COVID-19 vaccination efforts are continuing throughout the region”, DOH XI said.

Furthermore, DOH XI added that 3,353,416 people, or 88.3% of the target population in the Davao Region, have been fully vaccinated as of March 10, 2023. (J. Fernandez)