DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 19 (PIA) -- The Dumaguete City Health Office (CHO) has confirmed that no COVID-19 related deaths have been recorded for almost two months now.

Records show that the last known death linked to COVID-19 infection involved a 94-year-old unvaccinated individual with comorbidities as reported by the CHO.

City Health Officer Dr. Maria Sarah Talla also reported that for almost 25 days now, all the 30 component barangays of Dumaguete City are COVID-free with no new case reported as of May 16.

Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo, who encouraged eligible residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to prevent transmission and deaths, is urging the public to continue observing the minimum health standards even if fully vaccinated, as Dumaguete City reopens the local economy and allows mass gatherings particularly for inoculated individuals.

Talla said the city obtained the highest vaccination rate of 141.56% in Central Visayas, exceeding the 80.67% goal for herd immunity.

The city has vaccinated 157,619 residents and workers, which is higher than the target of 111,348 individuals. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from CPIO)