ILOILO – This early, the provincial government is preparing for a possible increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections by June.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. cited the rising cases abroad.
“In our experience these past two years, kon ano gani ang ara sa iban nga parti sa kalibutan…it will be here in two months or even less,” said Defensor.
The governor also pointed out that June is “tiempo sang trangkaso.”
“Ang question lang is kon ordinary flu ina sia ukon strain sang COVID-19,” said Defensor.
Flu and COVID-19 share some similar symptoms – fever, cough, aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat.
Reckless human activities could also lead to a surge, said Defensor, citing activities related to the Holy Week, summer vacation and the May synchronized national and local elections.
Defensor said provincial government-run district hospitals must start preparing now for a possible COVID-19 surge.
He also stressed the importance of reverse isolation at home to protect the elderly and persons with comorbidities.
Household members should wear facemask in the presence of vulnerable persons or when in areas in the house used or accessed by such vulnerable persons.
Vulnerable persons shall also have separate utensils and take their meals separate from other members of the household.
Households with resident vulnerable persons are discouraged from receiving guests, among other precautions.
Defensor said protecting senior citizens and persons with comorbidities would result to a lower healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) in district hospitals.
As of April 3, Iloilo’s HCUR – which refers to the utilization rate of isolation/COVID ward beds, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, and mechanical ventilators for COVID – was at 37.58 percent.
Iloilo has 628 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases and eight mechanical ventilators. Here’s the breakdown of their current status:
* Isolation/COVID ward beds – 600; 236 beds currently occupied (39.33 percent)
* ICU beds – 20; all unoccupied
* mechanical ventilators for COVID – eight; all available
Defensor said COVI D-19 vaccination is also being stepped up. The provincial government hired over 1,000 vaccinators for deployment to Iloilo’s 42 towns and the component city of Passi./PN
