Amid the continued spike of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in Caraga Region, the Department of Health (DOH-13) said it has intensified contact tracing measured to contain the spread of the virus in the area.

In a statement Wednesday, DOH-13 said that three tracing teams were organized in Butuan City following the increase of local transmission cases in the area last week.

“The three tracing teams have already assessed and traced 117 close contacts of the confirmed cases in the city,” DOH-13 said, adding the city recorded 21 new cases last week–all classified as local transmission.

As of Tuesday (July 28), Butuan City had a total of 76 cases, with three probable and 126 suspect cases.

DOH-13 also announced the intensified Covid-19 contact tracing initiatives in the different areas in the region.

In Agusan del Norte, a total of 57 contact tracing teams have been organized and were able to trace and assess 358 close contacts of the confirmed cases in the province.

In Agusan del Sur, DOH-14 said 22 teams are currently engaged in contact tracing activities with 232 close contacts of the confirmed cases traced and assessed, the agency added.

DOH-13 said 22 teams are also active in contact tracing measures in Surigao del Norte with 59 close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases traced and assessed, while in Surigao del Sur, 20 teams are now assessing the traced 199 close contacts of Covid-19 cases in the province.

Likewise, seven teams were also organized in Dinagat Islands, the only province in Caraga Region that continues to register zero Covid-19 cases.

As of Tuesday (July 28), Caraga Region has a total of 272 Covid-19 cases with 178 recoveries, 93 active cases, and one fatality. (PNA)