Baguio City recorded an increase in the number of Covid-19 infections among individuals aged one to 17 years old.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said 164 confirmed cases were recorded in said age group from Aug. 1 to 20.
“We have seen increase of cases comprising of persons who belong to said age group and this should be taken seriously considering our youth is vulnerable in this time of pandemic owing to the fact they are not yet qualified to receive the (vaccines),” the mayor said as he ordered last Aug. 21 a stricter home restriction for them until Aug. 29.
Magalong reiterated his appeal to parents and households to also prioritize the protection of their younger family members as what is being done for other susceptible members like the elders and the sick.
“Their protection against this virus is reliant on the protection taken by the adults who they interact with and with whom they share households. Households should also implement safety measures like disinfection, physical distancing and quarantine especially those with symptoms. Adults should avail of vaccination once available because it will not only protect themselves but their children who are not vaccinated as well,” he said.
Magalong also noted the low turn-out of persons subjecting themselves to free swab test during the aggressive community testing on Aug. 13 and 14 and Aug. 19 to 21.
“People now seem to prefer being vaccinated rather than tested. Dati-rati nag-uunahan magpa-test pero ngayon mas gusto na nila sa vaccination sites na lang pumila,” he said.
City Health Services Officer Rowena Galpo reported the city failed to meet its target of 4,500 individuals and tested 2,568 during the five-day run targeting vulnerable sectors.
Of the total, 78 were found positive for the Covid-19, which represents a 3.04 percent positivity rate.
As of Aug. 23, the city has tested 144,791 individuals representing 38.66 percent of the population.
Magalong said testing is important as it helps determine where the infections are coming from, enabling local government units to implement measures to prevent more infections. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
April 26, 2024
