IATF Warn Negros Oriental Hospitals for COVID-19 Surge

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) advised hospitals in Negros Oriental to prepare for, yet another COVID-19 surge. Number of cases continue to rise, with most infections believed to be of the highly transmissible Delta variant. Both public and private hospitals are advised to stay on high alert.

COVID-19 Surge (April & May 2021)

Negros Oriental experienced an unprecedented surge last April and May 2021, which led to the stricter community quarantine in the province. According to the Assistant Provincial Health Officer Dr. Liland Estacion, this is contained in a resolution passed Sept. 13 during a meeting of the body’s members. Dr. Estacion is also the COVID-19 incident commander of the province’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

We passed a resolution today reminding public and private hospitals to stock up and have equipment, supplies, and medicines on hand in the event of another surge in the province,” she said in mixed English and Cebuano dialect.

Hospitals in the province are also advised to allocate additional isolation beds for COVID-19 cases in the event the current rate of positive cases continues to increase. Dr. Estacion said that it is better to start early with the preparations than wait for hospitals in this capital city and the bigger districts hospitals outside of Dumaguete to be filled similar to what happened at the height of a surge early this year.

As of September 13, 2021 (Monday), the province has a total case of 12,090, broken down into 10,935 recoveries, 909 active positive cases, and 246 deaths. The bed occupancy in hospital isolations for COVID-19 cases is placed at 65 percent.

Please be advised to wear your face mask/face shield at all times when going out in public. Maintain a social distance of 1 meter and sanitize or wash your hands as frequently as possible.