Friday, 03 April 2020 14:04

City Health Office provides updates on COVID-19 in CdeO

Written by Regina Arquiza

April 4, 2020- Dr. Lorraine Nery of the City Health Office gave an update on COVID-19 in Cagayan de Oro at a press conference held at the Mayor’s Office. As of Thursday, April 2, there are 39 Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) and 30 are left to be monitored, while Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) remain at three (3).

Despite the decreasing number of cases with mild symptoms, Dr. Nery still advises to be vigilant, “Dili ta gaundang sa pagpangita kung naa pamay mga nabilin. Dili ta maging complacent, dili ta maging kumpyansa.

Meanwhile the city continues their proactive measures of identifying cases through a “house-to-house” survey done by barangay health workers and community development volunteers.  They are currently searching for people that show influenza-like illnesses, which will be further evaluated by medical experts. Citizens are encouraged to give a full disclosure of their health status and travel history once asked. The city health office also provided HEMS (Health Emergency Management) hotlines for people to contact.

Dr. Nery further provided updates on the Barangay Isolation Units (BIUs) in the city, saying that from the 64 established BIUs last Thursday, there are now 72 BIUs ready for use.

In her report she also addressed the negative feedback against the BIUs clarifying that the establishment of BIUs are done under the orders of department memoranda of several government agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). While the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released memorandums as well with regards to using schools as isolation units. Dr. Nery further clarifies that this is in preparation in case the city reaches surge capacity.