DOH Eastern Visayas warns of COVID-19 surge overwhelming health system

The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas is warning that a continued rise in COVID-19 cases could overwhelm the region's health system and deplete its resources and personnel.

Cases in the region have increased nearly 10 times in the past three weeks, surging from 40 on June 1 to 396 as of June 21.

DOH-8 Regional Director Dr. Minerva Molon attributed the increase to a surge in returning residents, including those from Metro Manila and Cebu City, overseas Filipinos, and infected healthcare workers.

Molon warned that if the trend continues, cases could double in two weeks, potentially overwhelming health systems and depleting resources.

Ormoc City leads with 50 cases, followed by Tacloban City with 37, and Tarangnan, Samar with 35.

DOH-8 urged the public to cooperate and comply with health protocols to help manage the growing number of cases.

The department also confirmed one of its employees tested positive for the virus, prompting immediate contact tracing, quarantine of close contacts, and disinfection of affected office areas.