Two major Covid-19 referral hospitals in Ilocos Norte have reported nearing the moderate risk in terms of bed occupancy, provincial health authorities said on Wednesday.

Based on the latest Ilocos Norte Covid-19 case bulletin posted on the official Facebook page of the Ilocos Norte government on January 18, the state-run Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City have already reached a 55 percent occupancy rate out of its 111 beds for virus-infected patients.

In Laoag City, the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital has also reported a 70 percent hospital bed occupancy rate out of its 50 beds.

As of Wednesday, out of the 1,312 active cases in the province, only 49 are currently admitted to hospitals.

Thirty-nine of them are in moderate condition, eight severe, one is critical and another one classified as asymptomatic to mild.

Dr. Rogelio Balbag, the health consultant of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, appealed to all concerned residents to get vaccinated immediately for additional protection.

Balbag reiterated that Covid-19 transmission can be avoided if people maintain physical distancing and will wear their face masks properly.

“May we remind everyone to keep up our guard and take practical precautions to protect ourselves and our families,” he reiterated in a local media interview.

Meanwhile, the Ilocos Norte government has issued a public apology for the expected delay in processing documents at the provincial borders as some border personnel recently tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement released Wednesday, Ilocos Norte assured additional workers were hired to assist at the border checkpoints. (PNA)