BONTOC, Mountain Province(PIA)--The Provincial Health Office continues to remind and encourage the public to follow health safety protocols even as COVID-19 cases have significantly decreased in the province.
Health Education and Promotion Officer Lily Anne N. Safilo during the 2nd quarter meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on June 26 that a total of 314 Covid-19 cases were recorded from January to June of this year by the different disease reporting units in the province. The figure is 96 percent lower compared to the same period last year.
The municipality of Bauko recorded the highest number of cases 107, followed by Tadian with 40. Besao has 29, Bontoc with 27, Paracelis with 26, and Sabangan, 21. The four other municipalities have less than 20 cases. Barangay Abatan in Bauko has the most cases among barangays in the province.
Cases peaked from May 21 to 27 with 51 cases, with most affected individuals (95%) being asymptomatic.
Safilo reported that majority of the cases are females and the most affected age-group is 60 years old and above.
In its daily COVID 19 Update in its facebook page, the PHO always reminds the public not to let their guards down and that they avoid social gatherings, avoid crowded areas, always practice health safety protocols, always wear facemasks, essential travels only, seek early consultation and get vaccinated.
As of June 20, 2023, the PHO recorded a total of 109,278 individuals vaccinated. 104,314 of these individuals were given at least one dose while 99,404 have completed their vaccinations.
The province is continuously rolling out vaccination in various health facilities. The latest is the bivalent vaccination which targets the original Covid-19 strain and the Omicron variant.
Priority individuals for this vaccination roll out are 18 years old and above who are healthcare workers, senior citizens , Individuals with Comorbidities, and those who are immunocompromised. Target individuals may be vaccinated after at least 4 to 6 months from receiving their second booster shot. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR, Mt. Province)
