ZERO INCREASE IN COVID-19 CASES. A personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) checks the quarantine pass of a motorcycle rider at a checkpoint near the boundary of Cebu and Talisay cities on Wednesday (April 1, 2020). The city government of Cebu is enforcing stricter border control in spite of the reported zero increase in Covid-19 cases for two straight two days in Central Visayas. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)
CEBU CITY – The Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas has reported “zero increase” of positive cases of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) for the second day on Tuesday.
Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional director of DOH-7 Center Health Development, said in an official statement released late Tuesday that all 25 specimens tested at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Sub-National Laboratory (VSMMC-SNL) had negative results.
“This is the second day with no new confirmed case. As of today (Tuesday, March 30), there are thirty Covid-19 Cases in Central Visayas,” Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional director of DOH-7, said.
On Monday, DOH-7 also reported zero increase in cases.
Bernadas, however, said “there is one additional mortality, bringing the total deaths in the region to six”.
The latest fatality was CV18-CC from Cebu City, a 68-year-old male who was admitted in a government hospital and tested at the VSMMC SNL.
“Twenty-two of the confirmed cases are still admitted and are being managed in different hospitals all over the region. There is one confirmed case with mild symptoms and is managed at home under strict quarantine. The region has only one recovered confirmed case,” Bernadas said.
In his Monday statement, Bernadas said the absence of a new case should not be a cause for complacency.
Meanwhile, the DOH-7 condoled with the bereaved family of patient CV18-CC. In relation to this, Bernadas said “the virus that affected their loved ones should not be used to discriminate and stigmatize those they left behind”.
"This is the time that we show compassion and remember our shared humanity. And let us continue to pray for the safety and health of our health workers and other front-liners and for the speedy recovery of those that they care for," he said.
Bernadas commended the unity being shown by the people in following the containment measures implemented by the local government units such as the practice of proper hygiene like regular hand washing, staying at home, social or physical distancing, and seeking medical checkup when one gets sick.
Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said the city government has strengthened measures to limit the movement of residents despite the “good news” of zero increase of Covid-19 cases in the region for two straight days.
He said border control is strictly in place at the city boundaries and massive disinfection of streets will continue while the enhanced community quarantine is in effect.
Labella commended Cebu City Police Office chief, Col. Hector Grijaldo Jr., for effectively implementing the border control with the cities of Mandaue and Talisay. (PNA)
