BACOLOD City – Twelve out of the 13 fatalities due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) here from January to April this year were unvaccinated, according to the local Inter-Agency Task Force on Friday, April 28.
In January, four deaths were recorded, of which only one had been vaccinated – a 73-year-old man. Three deaths were logged in February and six in April.
The youngest fatality was a seven-year-old boy, while the oldest were two 83-year-old patients (a male and a female).
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said there is a need to increase awareness on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination among unprotected individuals.
“We still have vaccines. For those who are unvaccinated, COVID-19 vaccination is still available at the City Health Office,” he said.
Bacolod surpassed the required fully vaccinated population, at 161.13 percent, as well as the fully vaccinated A2 or senior citizen population, at 154.24 percent, data from the Department of Health-Western Visayas showed.
Dr. Laarni Pornan, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said they continue to monitor all 61 barangays for COVID-19 cases.
“There are many possible reasons for the increase in cases. First, many people now go out for face-to-face activities. Many also no longer wear facemasks. The hot weather also causes people to catch the flu,” said Pornan.
In January, Bacolod registered 53 confirmed cases; 28 in February; 44 in March; and 116 in April.
As of April 26, Bacolod has 54 active cases under either home or facility isolation. (PNA)/PN