The provincial government of Eastern Samar has started the distribution of free Vitamin C to senior citizens this week as part of its efforts to fight the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Governor Ben Evardone said around 35,000 senior citizens from its 22 towns and one city are expected to receive a month’s supply of vitamins.

“This initiative intends to help the vulnerable population boost their health and well-being especially during this time of global health crisis,” he added said a statement Saturday.

The provincial government initially purchased 330,000 tablets that were distributed to some 10,000 senior citizens in the towns of Arteche, Jipapad, Dolores, and Sulat on July 16.

Each recipient received 30 tablets, Evardone said.

“Let us be vigilant, stay home if we have no essential business outside especially children and senior citizens, and strictly practice minimum health standards such as wearing face masks, physical distancing, proper hygiene, among others,” he added.

To date, Eastern Samar has no active case of Covid-19 as its first three patients from Borongan City and the towns of Mercedes and Guiuan have already recovered, the provincial health office reported.

Meanwhile, Eastern Visayas has confirmed a total of 668 cases, including 631 recoveries and three deaths, according to the Department of Health (DOH) monitoring report.

The DOH said the region has maintained a high recovery rate since more than 90 percent of its confirmed cases are asymptomatic.

To date, the region has 34 active coronavirus cases housed in isolation and quarantine facilities. (PNA)