Eastern Visayas has 21 new coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, bringing the region’s total to 2,952, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Sunday night.

The newly reported cases are mostly close contacts of confirmed patients, DOH Eastern Visayas Director Minerva Molon said in a press statement.

“They were part of the 202 swab results from the privately-managed Divine Word Hospital Virology Laboratory and will be tagged as Patient Nos. 2932 to 2952,” she added.

In Leyte, eight more residents of Tacloban were infected, six in Palo, three in Tanauan, and one each Tolosa and Burauen, while Kawayan in Biliran also reported one new case.

Based on the DOH monitoring report, 1,608 or 54.47 percent of the region’s total confirmed cases have already recovered, while 16 have died due to Covid-19 complications.

“More than 80 percent of our patients are asymptomatic. The recorded deaths in the region since March are mostly senior citizens and those with comorbidities, such as kidney and cardiac diseases, hypertension, and diabetes,” Molon said.

Molon said the number of cases continue to rise due to reported community and local virus transmission in certain areas and the arrival of more returning residents.

Considered as high-risk areas for Covid-19 in the region are Catbalogan City and the towns of Villareal, Basey, Pinabacdao, and Hinabangan, all in Samar, and Tacloban, Palo, Alangalang, and Tanauan, all in Leyte.

She added that among the new cases reported in the past days were several health workers and front-liners.

With the increasing threat of Covid-19, Molon reiterated the health department’s information campaign, dubbed “Bida Solusyon”, which promotes four key behaviors to reduce the possible transmission of the virus.

“Always bear in mind BIDA or B, Bawal walang mask (Not wearing a face mask is not allowed); I, I-sanitize ang mga kamay at iwas hawak sa mga bagay (Sanitize your hands and avoid touching surfaces); D, Dumistansiya ng isang metro (Keep a one-meter distance from other people); and A, Alamin ang totoong impormasyon (Know the factual information),” she said.

To date, the region has 1,324 active cases in hospitals, community isolation units, and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities. (PNA)