SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur—The entire Caraga region remains free from the dreaded Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) after the lone person under investigation (PUI) who died at the Caraga Regional Hospital in Surigao City on March 26 was tested negative of the virus.
Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, Caraga Regional Director of the Department of Health, said confirmatory laboratory result released by the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City showed that the 24-year-old lone PUI mortality in the region was found to be negative of the virus.
He said the patient’s demise was primarily correlated to a pre-existing medical condition which was Chronic Kidney Disease although a travel history outside the region was noted.
“Again, we extend our sympathy to the bereaved family for their loss. However, we are also relieved of the latest test result,” Llacuna, said.
As of April 1, there are two currently admitted PUIs in one of the DOH hospitals in the region. The regional office is still waiting for its pending lab results.
The Caraga Regional Hospital has recorded 11 PUI patients of which eight were tested negative in the laboratory results from SPMC.
There are a total of 7,713 persons under monitoring (PUM) in the region of which 7023 were cleared and have completed their 14-day isolation while 690 are still being monitored.
In related development, Agusan del Sur Gov. Santigao Cane Jr has recalled yesterday the declaration of the entire province under enhanced community quarantine after he was overruled in a virtual meeting among governors and city mayors of Caraga on April 1.
The Regional Task Force for COVID-19 released Resolution No. 7 Series of 2020 or the “One Caraga Shield”, that aims to harmonize the guidelines for the regional community quarantine in response to the viral threat.
The “One Caraga Shield” had put back the status of Agusan del Sur into community quarantine and lifted the banning in the entry of motorist even those residents coming home from other areas in all the roads at the borders of the province.
The regional task force agreed to declare a “lockout” or the banning of entry of motorists in all the borders of Caraga.
