DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Davaoeños must brace for the surge of the COVID-19 omicron variant that may last until middle of March.
Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said this is the forecast of health experts based on current record of 8,037 active cases after the holiday season, with 1,395 new cases as of January 23.
“One of the doctors (I consulted with) said that we will be on this surge until Mid-march. Hopefully not, kung forecasting ang gina-istoryahan ingon ana (if we are forecasting this). If it is really a surge, so magremind ta sa tanan nato nga kaigsuonang Dabawenyo nga extra ingat, extra careful (I remind all our fellow Davawenyos to be extra careful),” Duterte said.
The mayor advised everyone to follow isolation and protocol even in the households as most cases have spread within households.
“Ayaw mo pagkumpyansa sa inyuhang kauban sa mga balay. Daghan kaayo ang asymptomatic and daghan kaayo ang mild cases (Don’t be complacent with your members in the household. There are many asymptomatic and mild cases),” the mayor said.
74 barangays in Davao City are placed under the classification of “Critical Risk Barangay” while another three barangay are now considered “High Risk” according to the latest data from the City Government of Davao.
The city also placed 16 barangays under “High Risk” as it is close in proximity to areas identified under “Critical Risk” areas. It also identified another 50 barangays under the “Moderate Risk” status and another three for being in close proximity while the remaining 36 barangays are now on “Low and Minimal Risk”.
The local government has already implemented lockdown to 822 houses, one building and one compound.
Duterte-Carpio admitted that the city government is facing challenges to address the surge.
She admitted the city has limited testing facilities that is needed to help detect more cases.
Another problem is the hospital facilities for COVID-19 care are in full capacity, with scores of medical staff testing positive and forced to go on isolation. (davaotoday.com)
