DOH Eastern Visayas confirms first COVID-19 case

The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas confirmed the region's first COVID-19 case, a 51-year-old female from Northern Samar.

She traveled to Japan, arriving in Manila on January 2, and stayed in Greenhills, San Juan for two months before going to Catarman, Northern Samar on March 4.

The patient manifested severe acute respiratory infection symptoms on March 7, was admitted to a hospital in Northern Samar on March 10, and transferred to the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) on March 12.

Her COVID-19 test result from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine returned positive on March 23.

The patient's condition improved and she was wheeled out of the intensive care unit, but would require two more tests before discharge.

DOH 8 has initiated contact tracing and placed staff who interacted with the patient under quarantine.

DOH Regional Director Minerva Molon assured the public that the situation is being managed effectively.