Davao City experiencing post-holiday Covid-19 surge

Davao City is now experiencing a post-holiday Covid-19 surge with a significant spike in cases, according to Davao City Covid-19 Spokesperson Dr. Michelle Schlosser in an interview over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Friday.

“Based sa amoang observation since January 3 of this year, increasing ang atoang seven-day moving average, therefore, from the time nga nagbaba ta almost always 100 percent ang pagtaas on a daily basis. Now from the previous day, gi-doble napud ang atoang cases. Therefore, we can say na naa na-gyud ta sa surge and most likely the reason why na-elevate ta sa atong Alert level (Based on our observation, our seven-day moving average has been increasing since January 3 this year. Therefore, from the time that our cases were low, almost always there is a 100 percent increase daily. Now from the previous day, the cases doubled. Therefore, we can say that we are already in the surge and most likely the reason why our Alert level has been elevated,” Schlosser said.

As of January 13, the city has 307 new cases. The total number is high compared to January 12 with 243 cases; January 11 with 110 new cases; and, January 10 with 40 new cases.

Since the city is now under Alert Level 3, Schlosser said the people are reminded of the Inter-agency Task Force Guidelines, specifically on the interzonal and intrazonal travel movement of children below 18 years old and the vulnerable sector.

“Land, air, sea travel is allowed but under reasonable restrictions imposed by LGU. Before, we imposed that those 18 years old below, and persons belonging to vulnerable population shall only be allowed to access essential goods and services,” Schlosser said. The essential goods are food, medicine.

She said the city does not allow contact sports under Alert Level 3. Other prohibited activities are face-to-face classes in basic education, peryahan, amusement park for kids and playgrounds, karaoke bars, clubs, casinos, gaming establishments, and cockpits.

Schlosser added that social gathering where the visitors are from separate household is also not allowed.

“Under Alert Level 2 gi-allow nato ang reunion, but not under Alert Level 3. Bawal ang gatherings if dili ka member ana nga panimalay. (We had allowed reunion and the gatherings under Alert Level 2 but not under Alert Level 3. It is not allowed if you are not a member of the same household),” she said.

Venues for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibits, weddings, birthdays, dine-in are allowed at 50 percent operating capacity for indoor and 70 percent maximum operating capacity for outdoor.

“Establishments are allowed to operate but they have venue capacity. For indoor establishments, the only allowed venue capacity would be 30 percent for fully vaccinated. For outdoor, 50 percent, for fully vaccinated. We have an initial report that they will be added with 20 percent more if the LGU reaches 100 percent vaccination for A2 and A3[target population]. Fortunately, we have [vaccinated] the 100 percent [target population] in those priority age groups” Schlosser said.

Activities allowed are listed in the Alert Level 3 guidelines on the City Government of Davao Facebook Page.