KALIBO, Aklan – The healthcare utilization rate in the province of Aklan significantly dropped to 0.93 percent, the lowest among the provinces and highly-urbanized cities in Western Visayas, according to provincial health authorities.
Aklan has seen a notable decline in hospitalization due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which means the province is at threat level No. 2.
It posted 91 new cases from Oct. 1 to 14, and just 24 new infections from Oct. 15 to 21.
The positivity rate also decreased to five percent for the seven-day average.
With the decreasing COVID-19 case count, the province registered 12,614 cases and 319 deaths since the pandemic began last year.
Aklan had 13 COVID-19 deaths from Sept. 8 to Oct. 21, way below the 119 deaths reported from Aug. 1 to Sept. 7.
There were also 56 active cases in quarantine and home facilities in Kalibo, Malay, Banga, Numancia, New Washington, Tangalan, Batan, Lezo, Altavas, Balete and Madalag towns.
The municipalities of Libacao, Nabas, Makato, Buruanga, and Malinao have no active cases as of Oct. 21.
The National Inter-Agency Task Force placed Aklan under general community quarantine until Oct. 31 amid declining COVID-19 cases.
But despite the easing of restrictions, Gov. Florencio Miraflores reminded residents to remain vigilant and get vaccinated against coronavirus.
“The best way to ensure you are protected is to get the vaccine,” he stressed./PN
