VIRAC, Catanduanes, Nov. 15 (PIA) - Catanduanes province was placed under alert level 4 from November 17-30, 2021 as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) implemented Resolution No. 148-F Series of 2021 dated November 13.
Governor Joseph C. Cua has issued on Nov. 15 Executive Order No. 041 “Adopting guidelines for provinces placed under alert level 4 as provided in the guidelines on the nationwide implementation of alert levels system for COVID-19 response".
The EO provides that persons below 18 and over 65 years old, those with comorbidities and pregnant women are not allowed outside of their homes, except for purchasing essential goods and services from permitted industries. Individual outdoor exercises are allowed regardless of age, comorbidities or vaccination status, however, only within the place of residence (within the barangay, or subdivision, etc).
Outdoor dine-in services can operate at maximum of 30% capacity; personal care services (barbershops, salons, nail spas) and in-person religious gatherers are allowed at 30% capacity only when conducted outdoors; and Government agencies will operate with at least 20% capacity.
In a joint press statement, Cua and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Hazel Palmes called for strict observance of the minimum health protocols such as proper wearing of mask, social distancing and avoiding gatherings among residents.
As of Nov. 12, PHO recorded 2,602 cases of confirmed COVID-19 in the province of Catanduanes with 342 active cases and 13 new cases.
A surge of cases was noted since August and further increased by 64.2% in October. While the Morbidity Week 43 covering October 24-30 to Morbidity Week 44 covering October 31-November 6 tallied a 36% decline in cases, the province, however, recorded 45 cases of variants of concern, with 21 delta cases this October affecting seven (7) out of 11 municipalities.
The provincial ogvernment currently operates three (3) hospitals with a total bed capacity of 159 beds, of which, 60 beds are for COVID-19 cases. However, as of October 14, the provincial hospital Eastern Bicol Medical Center with a Level 2 service capacity has already reached 80% COVID-19 bed utilization rate and 50% ICU utilization rate.
Moreover, two (2) private hospitals have a bed utilization of 38%.
At present, out of the 192,530-target population, 63,137 or 23% are fully vaccinated while 91,054 or 33% has already received their first dose. (EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)
