By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
A chief pathologist from the Department of Health (DOH) has advised both the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the city government of Bacolod to closely monitor the current Covid-19 positivity rate.
This comes after an initial report on Friday, September 4, revealed that 212 of the 1,598 individuals who have participated in the mass testings last week have tested positive for Covid-19, a 13.3 percent positivity rate.
DOH-Central Visayas chief pathologist,Dr. Mary Jean Loreche, said she received information that only around 161 beds have been allocated for Covid-19 patients in Bacolod City’s hospitals.
Loreche pointed out the authorities should not only look at the number of Covid-19 positive cases as a basis if it is already alarming or in a dangerous level, but they also have to look at the capacity of the health care facilities in giving proper care to Covid-19 patients.
The DOH doctor said a meeting had already taken place between them, the hospital directors, and several doctors. They are now waiting for additional data such as hospital bed allocation and critical care capabilities.
They are also looking at the capacity of health care workers in taking care of their patients in order to determine the current situation.
The molecular laboratories in Negros Occidental are also being checked in order to find ways to expedite their testing capacity and turnaround times.
Based on data released by DOH-Western Visayas last Saturday, Bacolod City recorded 237 new cases, with 84 new recoveries, and one new fatality.
Negros Occidental, meanwhile, logged 48 new cases with 39 new recoveries./DGB, WDJ