4,056 Covid-19 cases in Benguet, 55 deaths

By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Benguet recorded a total of 4,056 Covid-19 cases with 515 active cases and 55 deaths.
Gov. Melchor Diclas bared this saying based on epidemic risk classification, Benguet was under “high risk level as of Jan. 19, 
    The municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Itogon, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Tuba, and Tublay were also high risk; Buguias, moderate risk while Sablan, Kabayan and Kibungan were low risk.
    Kapangan, however, is placed under Critical Risk Level after it recorded 75 cases in the past two weeks.
    Aside from mining communities which recorded high number of cases in previous months, agricultural communities were reportedly also infected by the Covid-19.
    Even communities in far flung areas of the Benguet are recording surge of Covid-19 cases, he said.
    Diclas said Benguet towns are now affected by community transmission of the virus with several clustering of cases.
    Activities and mass gatherings such as wakes, weddings and reunions were reportedly held with many of attendees not following minimum public health standards and other protocols causing sudden surge of cases.
    Despite the surge of Covid-19 cases, Diclas said the situation and response in Benguet is still manageable since most cases were asymptomatic and one percent recorded morbidity rate.
     “We need to maintain and strictly observe minimum public health standards at all times such as wearing of face masks and face shields, maintaining proper hygiene such as washing of hands, and observing social and physical distancing, as these still are the primary defense against the Covid-19 and boost your immune system and stay healthy,” the governor said. -- PIA Coredillera