By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The number of coronavirus disease, or Covid-19, patients in Negros Occidental has risen to six after Bacolod City recorded its fifth case and EB Magalona reported their first case over the weekend. Based on a bulletin issued by the Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) last Saturday, the Bacolod City patient dubbed ‘WV #14’ is a 28-year-old male with a travel history to the United States. In addition, the province’s sixth case, ‘WV #15,’ is a 41-year-old female with a travel history to Manila and Mindanao.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said ‘WV #15’ is a resident of EB Magalona who is reportedly asthmatic and hypertensive. However, the patient is reported to be in stable condition.

Following the town’s first confirmed case, the governor classified EB Magalona’s Barangay 2 as a “Hot Zone” and suspended quarantine passes for residents of the neighborhood.

“Since nobody will be allowed to get out of their homes in the said barangay, the provincial government will handle the residents’ food supplies for the time being,” Lacson explained. “Without a host or a carrier, Covid-19 dies－it’s that simple.”

According to patient records, ‘WV #15’ experienced a fever last March 9 while quarantined at a staff home. A sample was then taken from the patient on March 24 and the test results were released on Saturday.

‘WV #15’ was also reported to be close to being discharged when the results were released. A second swab test will be performed on the patient on Thursday, April 2.

Meanwhile, Bacolod’s “Patient No. 1,” who had a travel history to London, United Kingdom, has reportedly tested negative for Covid-19.

Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said medical staff tested the patient twice and both showed they were negative for the virus.

Following the development, ‘Patient No. 1” will soon be discharged./DGB, WDJ