79 new Covid-19 cases among LSIs in BARMM

The BARMM health ministry reported 79 new Covid-19 cases among locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who were brought back to BARMM through the Hatid Tulong program.

Of the 405 LSIs transported, 257 have received their RT-PCR test results, with 148 still awaiting results.

Seven of the 79 infected LSIs are minors aged 7 to 13 years old.

The LSIs, who came from Metro Manila, were originally bound for Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi but were rerouted to Cagayan de Oro City on July 7.

The infected LSIs are currently housed in four isolation facilities in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

The original plan was to process those who tested negative to ride a navy vessel, but all LSIs are now being quarantined for fourteen days regardless of their test results.

Health officials urged the public to adhere to health protocols and maintain physical distancing to curb the spread of the virus.