BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – August and the start of the tiempo muerto in the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines also ushered in a record-high for this city – 74 fresh cases in one day, the highest thus far since organized monitoring began here February this year.
Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said DOH regional chief Marlyn Convocar confirmed that the number is composed of Returning Overseas Filipinos or ROFs, five Locally Stranded Individuals, and 14 locals.
The update, first posted on the Department of Health’s regional office, said the 74 cases for the city, showed it was the highest in Western Visayas in a single day.
The province followed with 24 cases, Iloilo with six and Capiz with five.
The new cases are part of the 656 total active ones in Region 6, composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan.
Officials of the local inter-agency task force cannot comment yet, especially on the classification of the new ones.
August is the start of the tiempo muerto or the dead season in the sugar industry when the miling stops and work slows down in plantation.
This leads to a slowing down of the local economy.