DOH announces today, May 31, 2020, three (3) new COVID-19 RT-PCR confirmed cases in Caraga. The 3 new cases are Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) who arrived in the region on May 26, 2020.
All of the three cases have not manifested any signs and symptoms of COVID-19. The two ROFs had their baseline RT-PCR test for COVID-19 on May 3 and 10 respectively, in Manila with negative results. They were accommodated in the designated areas by their respective companies/OWWA until their scheduled return in Caraga. Meanwhile, the LSI stayed in an area with known local transmission for two months.
Upon arrival, rapid test was done by their respective Local Government Units (LGUs) and they were all placed on strict quarantine in the identified local facilities until today. They tested positive, thus swabs were taken for RT-PCR confirmatory testing and sent to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Sub-National laboratory.
The first case is a 26-year-old male from Butuan City; second case is a 41-year-old male from Agusan del Sur; and the third case is a 37-year-old male from Agusan del Sur. All of them have no pre-existing medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
DOH Caraga is closely and continuously coordinating with the LGUs and other concerned agencies in contact tracing activities, monitoring the condition of all ROFs and LSIs and in adhering to the standards set in cutting the transmission of the said disease.
At the same time, twenty (20) negative RT-PCR test results were also received for the following cases: follow-up test of the 5th positive case, six (6) suspect cases and thirteen (13) probable cases.
“With the current developments especially in the implementation of modified general community quarantine, we should not let our guards down. We are appealing to everyone especially to our vulnerable groups (elderlies, children, pregnant and lactating women and those with pre-existing medical conditions), to continue to strictly observe all health precautionary measures like regular hand washing, practicing cough etiquette and physical/social distancing to safeguard our health. Again, as much as possible, stay at home and go out only when necessary,” Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna, Jr. said. (DOH CHD Caraga | RPN DXKS)