BAGUIO CITY, June 2 (PIA) – – The Department of Health Cordillera Regional Office (DOH – CAR) reports a better situation in the region as regards the Coronavirus Disease (COVID – 19), but reminds the public to continuously and strictly follow the minimum health standards and to support the national vaccination program.
DOH – CAR Assistant Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, in the Pre – SONA Series at the Baguio Convention Center, Tuesday (June 1), reported that Cordillera is under moderate epidemic risk level and as of May 30, a total of 36,317 cases has been recorded in the region where 33,717 (93.23%) already recovered, 1,801 (4.98%) are active cases and 641 died for case fatality rate of 1.77 percent.
In terms of the 2 – Week Growth Rate, Cordillera is under low risk with a 2WGR of – 38 percent or equivalent to a decrease of 1,288 cases comparing the 3,346 cases recorded for the period May 3 – May 16 to the 2,068 cases recorded from May 17 – 30.
Per geographical area, Abra and Apayao are under moderate risk with 2WGR of 4% and 63%, respectively. Baguio City, Benguet Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province are all under low risk with negative 2WGRs.
For the Average Daily Attack Rate, the region is under high risk with an ADAR of 8.06 per 100,000 population. Apayao, Baguio City and Ifugao are under high risk with ADAR of 10.02, 13.75 and 12.63, respectively, while Abra, Benguet, Kalinga and Mountain Province are under moderate risk with less than 7% ADAR.
In terms of Hospital Care Utilization Rate, Pangilinan said Cordillera is under low risk with an average of 56.81% utilization rate on ward, isolation and ICU beds dedicated for COVID – 19.
Pangilinan outlined that COVID-19 remains a public health concern, thus she reiterated the strict adherence by everyone to the minimum public health standards and other government health safety guidelines, as there is a need for whole – of – society approach given that COVID – 19 response is national government- enabled, local government unit – led and people centered.
For the COVID – 19 vaccination rollout in the region, Pangilinan reported that as of May 31 data, there are already 87,659 eligible population vaccinated for first dose and 31,680 have already competed their two doses of vaccines.
She reiterated DOH’s call for all eligible population to have themselves vaccinated when their schedule comes as the vaccines are free, safe and effective.
PIA Director General Ramon Cualoping III, in the same fora, assured that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is leading the whole Philippine government in the fight against COVID – 19 and in providing safe, effective and free vaccines for all Filipinos.
“Through the Vaccine Cluster, the government is assuring that vaccines continue to arrive so that everyone, or at least 70% of our population may be inoculated as soon as possible so we can reach the much awaited and desired herd immunity. We will continue to save lives revive hopes and shape the future of a healthier Pilipinas”, Cualoping added.
The Pre-SONA Series at Baguio Convention Center, is the sixth leg of such event that aims to share updates, insights on the policies/programs and accomplishment of the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as well as to report on government response on the COVID-19 to the people of the Cordillera Region. **JDP/CCD-PIA CAR
