Most new COVID-19 cases in Iloilo City are residents from Boracay

Majority of the recent cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Iloilo City are returning residents from Manila, Cebu and Boracay.

According to Chiqui Blancaflor, head of the city government’s molecular laboratory, the city’s cases have been on the rise since Monday last week, Jan. 3.

The highest number of daily new cases was recorded on Jan. 8 with 58 out of 265 samples came out positive.

Blancaflor noted that from Jan.3 to 5, returning residents, mostly from Boracay Island in Aklan, accounted for the highest number of new cases. Their close contacts tested positive from Jan. 6 to 8.

The molecular lab offers free RT-PCR tests for returning residents, overseas Filipinos and OFWs as well as authorized persons outside residence (APORs).

“As long as may history of travel ka and you would like to submit yourself for testing batunon gid kamo namon sa Uswag Molecular Laboratory, symptomatic or asymptomatic,” said Blancaflor.

From Jan. 1 to 9, 2022, the City Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (CESU) of the City Health Office logged a total of 216 confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The figure was 323. 53 percent higher compared to the same period last year with only 51 cases.IMT