LA TRINIDAD, Benguet– Governor Melchor Diclas stressed the need to protect oneself from the COVID-19 by strictly observing the minimum public health standards, the primary defense against the COVID-19.
“We need to maintain and strictly observe the minimum public health standards at all times such as wearing of face masks and face shields, maintaining proper hygiene such as washing of hands, and observing social and physical distancing, as these are still the primary defense against the COVID-19; and at the same time boost your immune system and stay healthy,” the governor said in an interview
Aside from the mining communities which recorded high number of cases in the previous months, agricultural communities are now also infected by the COVID-19.Even communities in far flung areas of Benguet are recording a surge of COVID-19 cases.
Diclas said Benguet towns are now affected by community transmission of the virus with several clustering of cases. The various activities and mass gatherings such as wakes, weddings and reunions with many of the attendees not following the minimum public health standards and other protocols caused the sudden surge of cases.
As of January 26, Benguet recorded a total of 4,056 COVID-19 cases with 515 active cases and 55 deaths.
Based on the Epidemic Risk Classification, Benguet is placed under High Risk Level as of January 19.
The municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Itogon, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Tuba, and Tublay are also on the high risk level while Buguias is on the moderate risk level. Sablan, Kabayan and Kibungan are classified under low risk level.
Kapangan, however, is placed under Critical Risk Level after it recorded 75 cases in the past two weeks.
Despite the surge of COVID-19 cases, Diclas said that the situation and the response in Benguet is still manageable since most of the cases are asymptomatic and only at least one percent recorded morbidity rate.** JDP/RMC- PIA CAR
