KALIBO, AKlan – The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas has classified Aklan province as “high risk “as 10 of its municipalities reported a surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections.
In a virtual presser on Monday, DOH Region 6 medical officer Bea Camille Natalaray said the municipalities of Madalag, Numancia, Balete, Banga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Libacao, Makato, Malay, and Malinao have been classified as “high risk” towns, too.
Aklan recorded a jump in COVID-9 cases starting in the May 2-8, 2021 period.
The surge was attributed to various factors such as the non-observance of the minimum public health standards, implementation of the prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegrate (PDITR) strategy, and local cases of other variants.
The Provincial Health Office in an official statement released on July 23 confirmed three cases of the Beta (B.1.351/South African) variants and two P.3 (Philippines) variants detected from specimens sent on June 30 to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).
Provincial Health Officer Cornelio Cuachon said that all cases have been tagged as recovered.
“We advise the public to remain calm and vigilant. To protect oneself from any COVID-19 variants we encourage the eligible population to get vaccinated and strictly adhere to minimum public health standards,” he said.
Gov. Florencio Miraflores on July 24 released an advisory reiterating the strict observance and implementation of heightened restrictions and additional protocols and guidelines as approved by their provincial inter-agency task force (IATF).he use of a face shield and mask is mandatory for residents of Aklan once they go out of their residence.
The movement is limited to accessing and delivery of goods and services, and work in establishments and activities allowed for areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).
“Essential goods and services cover health and social services to secure the safety and well-being of persons such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical services, public utilities, energy, and others as may be determined by the IATF,” said the governor in his advisory.
Except for Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs), non-essential travelers have to secure a travel pass from their municipal mayor.
Individuals below 18 years old and over 65 years old, immuno-compromised and pregnant women are not allowed to go out except to access essential goods and services, health or medical reasons, and to work in industries and offices allowed under the GCQ.
Age restriction for those going to Boracay island as tourists, however, is “relaxed”.
Further, outdoor dining establishments allowed to operate are up to a maximum of 50 percent of their capacity.
Gathering is prohibited but those intended for the provision of health and government services, humanitarian activities authorized by the government, or its instrumentalities shall be allowed.
Religious gathering is limited to 30 percent capacity of the venue while necrological services and the like shall be limited to immediate family members.
As of July 25, Aklan hds 1,813 active cases, 5,244 recovered cases and 95 deaths. (PNA)
