A spike in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in Iloilo City is expected this month due to increased mobility during the Lenten holidays.
Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, Iloilo City COVID-19 Team chairperson, said on Wednesday, April 12, many Ilonggos traveled to vacation destinations and joined gatherings in the past few weeks.
Travel restrictions and entry requirements have been loosened by the national government to boost the recovery of the country’s tourism industry from the pandemic.
Last month, the Department of Tourism (DOT) issued a memorandum circular scrapping the mandatory use of face masks and the presentation of proof of full vaccination in tourism enterprises.
Based on data from the City Health Office (CHO), COVID-19 cases recorded from April 1 to 10 increased by 185 percent compared to the number of infections logged a month ago.
Most of the newly infected patients, according to Fortuna, manifested only mild symptoms and do not need hospitalization.
The health care utilization rate in the city remains at low risk at 25.62 percent, he noted.IMT
