As of September 2, 2020, DOH Caraga reports receipt of 34 RT-PCR confirmatory results from the GeneXpert Reference Laboratory of Butuan Medical Center and Philippine National Red Cross Manila where 22 tested negative and twelve (12) turned positive for the COVID-19 virus.
The negative RT-PCR results are from High-risk Individuals who had positive Rapid Antibody-based Tests, health care workers and close contacts of previously confirmed cases.
Of the 12 confirmed positive cases, 75% (9) are frontliners wherein 50% (6) are tagged as local transmission cases, 25% (3) are close contacts of previously confirmed local transmission cases, 17% (2) are Returning Overseas Filipinos with one case quarantined in Manila, and 8% (1) is a health care worker who is also a close contact of a previously confirmed case. About sixty-seven percent (8) belong to ages 20-40 years old; the youngest is 25 years old and the oldest is 50 years old. As to sex distribution, 67% (8) are males while 33% (4) are females.
The confirmed cases are distributed in the following areas: Butuan City-Villa Kananga (4), Libertad (3), Baan Km.3 (1), Bancasi (1), Ong Yiu (1), Tiniwisan (1) and Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte (1).
As to the medical status of patients, 83% (10) are asymptomatic while the remaining cases have exhibited mild to moderate symptoms. Furthermore, asymptomatic cases are strictly monitored in following quarantine protocols while symptomatic patients are admitted and managed accordingly.
To date, COVID-19 confirmed positive cases in Caraga region now totals to 549 with 367 (67%) recoveries that have been discharged and released, 172 (31%) are active cases wherein 60% (104) are asymptomatic, 37% (64) are mild to moderate, and 2% (4) are severe , and 2% (10) deaths.
“As the COVID-19 cases in Butuan City continuously rise, we are closely coordinating and collaborating with the local government as well as with DILG, PIA, private and public hospitals, and other stakeholders in the monitoring and management of cases and isolation facilities. Likewise, we are also looking into the infection prevention and control measures of organizations and offices especially if there is presence of unusual case clustering. DOH Caraga will monitor the trend of cases, and efficiently and effectively implement containment measures. We call on everyone to never get tired practicing the minimum health standards like wearing of masks, physical distancing and regular hand washing. We are accountable to our own health and this starts by exercising maximum vigilance,” Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr., said.