DOH Eastern Visayas confirms region in second wave of Covid-19

The Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas confirmed on Wednesday that the region is now experiencing its second wave of Covid-19 infections.

DOH Eastern Visayas Regional Director Minerva Molon stated that the current surge is driven by localized transmission and the arrival of locally stranded individuals (LSIs), unlike the first wave which primarily involved returning residents.

At least 168 health workers in the region have been infected by the virus, with 53 active cases.

A rise in local cases over the past three weeks indicates a more infectious strain of the virus.

Ten areas in the region, including Ormoc City, parts of Leyte (Alangalang, Palo, Tanauan), and parts of Samar (Catbalogan City, Basey, Villareal), are experiencing clusters of Covid-19 cases.

The first wave of infections peaked from May 31 to June 20, while the second wave reportedly began on July 12 after a two-week moratorium on the Hatid-Tulong Program.