Department of Health (DOH) 6 data shows that 1,532 of the total 4,684 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the Western Visayas are not yet traced.

Dr. Glen Alonsabe, DOH-6 regional epidemiologist and this week’s spokesperson, reported that around 67 percent or 3,152 confirmed cases have been contract traced as of August 31.

Alonsabe said only the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo have reported 100 percent of confirmed cases traced.

Bacolod City has the lowest confirmed cases traced with only 32 percent while Negros Occidental with 52 percent.

Of the 1,285 confirmed cases in Bacolod, only 412 were traced. In Negros Occidental, on the other hand, 602 were traced while 553 were not yet traced.

Meanwhile, Antique and Iloilo City recorded 87 percent (39) and 91 percent (967) confirmed cases traced, respectively.

“May mga areas nga kinanglan ma-beef up ang contact tracing especially in Negros Occidental and Bacolod. Kanubo sang ila na-trace,” said Alonsabe.

Currently, Alonsabe added that Region 6 has a 1:4 case:close contact ratio which is far lower than the ideal one which is 1:37.

As of September 1, the region has 566 contact tracing teams; 6,258 total contact tracing members; and 3,321 trained contact tracing members.

DOH-6 said that 3,912 contract tracers are needed in the region as the minimum standard for contract tracers is one personnel per 800 population./WDJ