Eastern Visayas COVID-19 cases surpass 3,200

Eastern Visayas has reached 3,249 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 90 new infections reported on Thursday night.

The region's case count has significantly increased since August 4, indicating a rapid rise in infections.

The Department of Health attributes the surge to local transmission and the return of residents.

DOH regional head Minerva Molon reported that 84 new cases came from the Eastern Visayas Regional Covid-19 Testing Center and seven from Divine Word Hospital Virology Laboratory.

Samar province recorded 39 new cases, primarily close contacts of confirmed patients in various towns.

Leyte province reported 20 additional cases, mostly close contacts in Tacloban City and San Miguel.

Health workers and returning residents are among the 24 new patients in Northern Samar.

Molon warned of a potential healthcare system overload if cases continue to rise.