Central Visayas COVID-19 cases soar to 2,297

On Friday, the Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH-7) has released its latest and official COVID-19 data in the region as of May 21, 2020. Central Visayas recorded 71 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and 8 new deaths out of the 568 test results conducted.

The 56 new cases from VSMMC- SNL and 15 new cases from CTRL-MFTC have increased the total COVID-19 cases in Central Visayas to 2,297. These cases are from:

• 31 – Cebu City
• 3 – Cebu Province
• 9 – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Cebu City
• 8 – Mandaue City
• 11 – Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mandaue City
• 9 – Lapu-Lapu City

There are 8 new deaths reported. One death is from Cebu Province, an 18-year-old male who had community acquired pneumonia. The 7 deaths from Cebu City are as follows:

1. 53 year old male, who had sepsis secondary to community acquired pneumonia,
2. 81 year old male who died due to septic shock,
3. 38 year old male who died due to multi organ failure secondary to community acquired pneumonia,
4. 75 year old male due to acute respiratory failure,
5. 85 year old female, who had cerebrovascular disease bleed and acute respiratory failure,
6. 60 year old female (Details still have to be validated)
7. 75 year old male (Details still have to be validated)

The additional confirmed cases and deaths have slightly increased the case fatality rate or the percentage of deaths among those who are infected with COVID- 19, from 1.57 % to 1.87 %. It is still lower compared to the average of 6.4%.

Everyone is encouraged to regularly disinfect belongings, especially frequently used items such as phone, remote control, computer keyboard, mouse, keys, etc. As always, make it a habit to wash hands regularly at least 20 seconds.

As we adjust to the new normal, let us remember that the wearing of face masks outdoors, regardless of what type of community quarantine protocols are in place, should be observed.

Regular hand washing, proper cough etiquette, and physical / social distancing must also be part of the protocol among the public as we do our best to keep safe not just for ourselves but also for our family and the community where we belong.