(PNA Bacolod file photo)
BACOLOD CITY – Twelve out of the 13 fatalities due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) recorded in this city from January to April this year were unvaccinated, the latest data released by the local Inter-Agency Task Force on Friday showed.
In January, four deaths were recorded, of which only one had been vaccinated, a 73-year-old man. Three deaths were logged in February and six in April.
The youngest fatality was a seven-year-old boy while the oldest were two 83-year-old patients, one male and one female.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said considering that most of the recorded deaths were unvaccinated, there is a need to increase awareness among the unprotected individuals in the city.
“We still have vaccines. For those who are unvaccinated, Covid-19 vaccination is still available at the City Health Office,” he said.
Records of the Department of Health 6 (Western Visayas) showed Bacolod has surpassed the required fully vaccinated population, at 161.13 percent, as well as the fully vaccinated A2 or senior citizen population, at 154.24 percent.
Dr. Laarni Pornan, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said they continue to monitor all 61 barangays for Covid-19 cases.
“There are many possible reasons for the increase in cases. First, many people now go out for face-to-face activities. Many also no longer wear face masks. The hot weather also causes people to catch the flu,” Pornan said.
In January, Bacolod registered 53 confirmed cases; 28 in February; 44 in March; and 116 in April.
As of April 26, Bacolod has 54 active cases under either home or facility isolation. (PNA)
