Negros Oriental & NIR

2 Medical Societies Ask to Return ECQ in Negros Oriental

Two medical societies are urging the government to return the ECQ in Negros Oriental amidst the raise of COVID-19 cases in the province. Both medical societies made their separate statements urging the government to return the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Negros Oriental.

Spike of COVID-19 Cases

The statements by the two medical societies were made due to the spike of COVID-19 cases. Last May 21, the province reported an all-time high of 204 new infections. With this, Dumaguete City remains the province’s COVID epicenter with a total of 184 active cases. Meanwhile, Sibulan has 68 active cases, Bais City has 51, Tanjay City has 49, Bacong has 45, and Santa Catalina 40.

Return ECQ in Negros Oriental?

According to the Negros Oriental Medical Society, resident all over the province need to stop parties and gatherings. The past few weeks has been overwhelming for all healthcare workers in Negros Oriental. Meanwhile, according to the Philippine College of Physicians-Negros Oriental chapter, Negros Oriental’s average daily attack rate was currently at 8.12 or above the critical level while hospital bed occupancy was near 100% –both qualifiers for the call of a higher form of quarantine.

We know that there is this rapid rise in cases more than the hospitals can handle. We know that we are losing precious lives. We know that we have so many critically ill and not enough resources. We only know the value of saving a life,” said the Negros Oriental Medical Society.

Give us time to reset,” it added.

Negros Oriental, which is currently under the most relaxed modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), has a total of 709 active coronavirus infections, the highest since the pandemic began in 2020. At least three hospitals in Negros Oriental have reached full capacity as of May 23. These includes the state-funded Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, the ACE Dumaguete Doctors Hospital, and the Holy Child Hospital.

We are asking our local government to take action on a faster rollout of vaccinations, a better implementation of curfews and discipline. We are calling on our local businesses to enforce stricter quarantine rules and have a heightened sense of social responsibility. We are pleading to our fellow Negrenses to be more cognizant of health practices and safety protocols,” Philippine College of Physicians-Negros Oriental said.

We need to be one in the battle against COVID-19. We need to listen to each other. Our healthcare system is screaming and we hope you heed the call,” the group added.

Dumaguete City Mayor Infected with COVID-19

Among the 184 active cases in Dumaguete City, the city mayor is one of the infected people. Announced via the official Facebook page, City mayor Felipe Antonio “Ipe” Remollo stated that he underwent swab testing in compliance with a requirement for attending the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) meeting in this city with President Duterte last Monday afternoon. On Sunday, test results showed that Remollo was positive for COVID-19.

I’m asymptomatic and have isolated myself,” he said.

The NPOC meeting was then attended by a representative.

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DaisyB

I am Daisy. I currently live in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The art of journalism has caught my attention ever since I was a little girl. Writing is a passion only a few can get and fewer people to achieve. With a touch of opportunity, I was able to commit myself to following my passion for writing. Follow me in my adventure in finding new reliable information!