LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — Benguet residents are again reminded to continue to practice the minimum public health standards (MPHS) and other health and safety protocols even as COVID-19 cases are on the downtrend.
Governor Melchor Diclas reported that the new COVID-19 confirmed cases and even death cases province-wide have been decreasing over the past weeks based on Provincial Health Office data.
He said cases have decreased significantly in the different municipalities and most are now under low epidemic risk levels.
As of November 17, 2021, only the municipality of Kabayan is under high epidemic risk level while the towns of Kapangan and Tublay are under moderate risk level.
DOH-CAR reported that Benguet has recorded 903 cases from October 19 to November 1, 2021. Cases are even lower in the past two weeks (Nov. 2 to 15) with only 344 cases.
Benguet had a -62 percent 2-week growth rate and an average daily attack rate of 5.08 which brings the province under low epidemic risk level.
Aside from the decrease in cases, Diclas noted that more recoveries are also being recorded bringing down the health care utilization rate (HCUR). The province has 56.99% HCUR which also brings the province under a low risk HCUR.
“Despite the downward trend, we and the public should still continue to maintain the minimum public health standards such as wearing of facemasks, face shields, observance of social and physical distancing, and maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene to ensure protection from the disease,” the Governor said.
As of Nov.17, Benguet has already recorded 21,796 COVID-19 confirmed cases with 20,721 recoveries, 320 active cases and 755 deaths.
Decals reminded the public that Benguet is still under General Community Quarantine and they should strictly observe the different guidelines being implemented in the province thru the Provincial Inter Agency Task Force and their local IATFs.
He said the Philippine National Police with the municipal and barangay government units should continue to strictly implement guidelines under GCQ particularly compliance to the restrictions on mass gatherings particularly on wakes, celebrations and other activities to ensure protection from transmission of the virus.
Meanwhile, Diclas strongly encourages the general population including children ages 12 to 17 years old to get vaccinated be protected. The province has enough supply of vaccines from the national government to eligible population. **JDP/RMC- PIA CAR
