THE widower and daughter of the 62-year-old woman from Macanhan, Carmen, who died of Covid-19 last month, have recovered and tested negative for the virus, officials said today.
The test results brought down the number of active Covid-19 cases in the city from five to three.
City epidemiologist Joselito Retuya said the test results on the two asymptomatic patients, earlier tested positive for Covid-19, came out earlier today but the fresh data still need the concurrence of the Department of Health (DOH).
“Until i-consider sa DOH-10 ang resulta ug ma tally na sa official list in the region, magpabilin pa gihapon nga 5 active cases sa dakbayan,” Dr. Retuya said.
He said he expects the focused containment of a community where the family resides to slowly ease out.
City health officer Lorraine Nery said that of the Covid-19 patients in the city, one is still confined at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center’s Emerging Re-emerging Infectious Disease unit, and four asymptomatic patients, including the two who tested negative today, are in a quarantine facility of city hall.
NMMC medical specialist Bernard Rocha said the 49-year-old female at the NMMC is showing signs of recovery.
“She is already out of oxygen support. She is stable. She will have a repeat swab test tomorrow,” Rocha said.
In another related development, Dr. Nery said three returning overseas Filipino workers also tested negative for Covid-19.
She said that as of yesterday, the city has had 1,233 “new arrivals.” Of this figure, 901 people have already finished their quarantine terms and 45 residents will be due today.
Nery said 287 people are still on a 14-day mandatory quarantine and 112 others are currently housed in nine isolation facilities. Some 174 residents are quarantined in their homes and another is in barangay isolation unit.
As for the tracing of people who have had close contact with Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals in the city, Nery said they have traced a total of 947 people. Of this, 865 people have already finished their quarantine period and only 82 are still under mandatory quarantine.
“Na include na ang persons in close contacts adtong recent nga positive patient sa Carmen,” she said.
She pointed out how the testing capability of the city has eased their work in identifying people who may have been infected.
“Busa hinay ang pagsaka sa close contact tracing kay ma test na man dayon sa hospital. Kung negative, didto na dayon ma admit sa regular wards. Mao sad nang rason nganong dili na congested ang Erid sa NMMC. Mas napagaan ang pag contact tracing sa among staff,” said Nery.
Even with the encouraging developments, Mayor Oscar Moreno said residents should still not be complacent and continue practicing the basic health protocols such as staying at home, wearing a face mask when in public, and social distancing.
“Kaluoy sa Dios, the figures are looking good. Pero dili lang gyud ‘ta magkumpyansa,” said Moreno.
For his part, Dr. Rocha reminded residents of what he called “The three Cs” to avoid getting infected with the virus. These are closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and closed contact setting such as close-range conversation.
“The elimination of the virus is challenging. Busa ginabalik-balik gyud nato nga buhaton ang pagpuyo sa balay, wear a face mask, and maintain social distancing,” said Rocha. (Cong B. Corrales)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
