The random test conducted by the health team from the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH 11) over the weekend in the villages under lockdown led to the discovery of four more individuals positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

The team conducted random testing in some villages in Leon Garcia, Bankerohan, Buhangin, and areas surrounding Barangays 21 and 23-C.

In a radio interview on Saturday, Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said the move is part of government efforts in intensifying contact tracing and random testing in the city.

Around 16 areas in this city have been subjected to street and household lockdowns after Covid-19 cases have been reported.

She said four out of 52 individuals tested randomly in Barangay Leon Garcia and Barangay 23-C were positive for Covid-19.

“Out of 15, there were three found positive in Leon Garcia and one was positive out of 47 we tested in Isla Verde in Barangay 23,” Duterte said.

Mayor Sara said one of the four individuals are asymptomatic and did not further disclose the condition of the other three individuals.

“The number of positive cases is expected to shoot up with the intensified case finding and random testing. That is why we also added more patient care centers in the city,” she added.

Duterte said the city has strengthened the community case finding through random testing in areas where there are recorded Covid-19 cases. “We need to locate more people who have possibly contracted the virus,” she said.

She also underscored the importance of contact tracing saying there is a need to know who should be tested and oriented on how to do strict self-isolation.

As of April 25, this city has a total of 101 Covid-19 positive cases while 50 patients have already recovered. (PNA)