PHO tells public to avoid mass gatherings, non-essential travels amid COVID-19 surge

Tabuk City, Kalinga – As the COVID-19 active cases in Kalinga increased to 636, the Provincial Health Office appealed for the community to avoid mass gatherings and non-essential travels to prevent the further spread of said infectious disease.

Provincial Health Officer Edward Tandingan reiterated this call as he shared the province-wide COVID-19 trend earlier this January 17, 2021.

In his report, Tandingan said that of the 636 active cases as of January 16, 436 are from the City of Tabuk; 64 from Pinukpuk; 62 from Lubuagan; 31 from Rizal; 16 from Balbalan; 10 from Pasil; 9 from Tanudan; and 8 from Tinglayan.

Despite the high number of cases, the Provincial Health Officer is confident that the ‘health care facilities in the province are able to accommodate the COVID-19 cases that are legitimately for confinement (moderate cases and higher severity in hospitals).’

With the additional 10 beds designated for COVID-19 cases in Kalinga Provincial Hospital yesterday, there are still 29 available beds in the hospital.

The occupancy rate of all the health facilities in the province is considered to be at a low-risk level or safe zone, with 53.7 percent. A total of 157 beds out of the 339 beds designated for COVID-19 remain available.

Meanwhile, PHO pushes for its vaccination drive as part of its interventions. As of January 14, the province already fully vaccinated 75.95 percent or 117,802 of the 70 percent target population.

The vaccination, as earlier disclosed by the office, helps in protecting the community from experiencing severe illness caused by the infectious disease.

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