COVID-19 Cases in Siquijor Increase at “Alarming” Level
The total number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the island of Siquijor alarmingly increased over the past few days. Authorities are prompt to contain the surge by implementing stricter health protocols and border controls within the island province.
COVID-19 Cases in Siquijor
As confirmed Tuesday by COVID-19 Task Force Spokesperson Brylle Deeiah Tumarong, the total of active infections reached 108 in the province of Siquijor. Tumarong is also the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation chair and an ex-officio Board Member.
Out of 108 total cases, 59 of these are tested positive via the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. Meanwhile, 49 of these are found positive via rapid antigen testing. Although they are positive through rapid antigen testing, these cases are considered COVID-19 infected.
Based on our history, if one is positive of the antigen test, that person has a high probability of testing positive for Covid-19 through the RT-PCR and so we already treat them as being infected even though we are still awaiting the results of the swab tests,” Tumarong said.
Stricter Protocols in Siquijor Island
For several months since the start of the pandemic, Siquijor Island reported zero COVID-19 cases, and there were only a few recorded afterward. The alarming spike of cases prompts authorities to push stricter health and safety protocols all over the island province. Siquijor Gov. Zaldy Villa, during an emergency meeting Monday (September 15, 2021), issued an executive order outlining stricter health and safety protocols to contain further transmission of the coronavirus. Authorities are also looking into restricting their border controls and granular lockdowns to reduce the spread of the virus.
As of the moment, there are no Delta variant cases recorded in Siquijor. Delta variant is a stronger variant of coronavirus that spreads easier than other known strands. A total of six deaths related to COVID-19 is recorded on the island. The town of Larena being the epicenter of COVID-19 cases.
COVID-19 cases in Cebu Island
The neighboring island of Cebu decreased in COVID-19 cases. However, they are still higher than those of Negros, Bohol, and Siquijor. Cebu’s rate of infection has decreased from 6,044 on August 22, to 3,443 this month, but it still has 79 new cases, while Bohol has 52 new cases.
The city of Mandaue has now 28 new cases, with 1,067 total cases compared to last month, when it had 50 new cases and a total of 1,853 cases. Lapu-Lapu City had 70 new cases last month with a total of 1,653 cases, but now it has 42 new cases and a total of 1,313 Covid-19 cases. On deaths, Cebu has the highest number with 1,924 mortalities; Negros Oriental, 254; Bohol, 159; and Siquijor, six.
A total of 1,247 people died from Covid-19 in Cebu City. The city’s public cemeteries ran out of space to bury the dead and the cost of cremation went up. Mandaue City had 345 deaths, while Lapu-Lapu City had 329.
