The Davao City Covid-19 Task Force urged residents Tuesday to avail of the free swab testing and free teleconsultation, as coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases here have increased by 24 percent.

In particular, the task force expressed concern about the rise in Covid-19 from 220 active cases on July 16 to 272 fresh cases as of July 24, based on the vaccination cluster’s report.

Of the 272 cases, at least 131 are asymptomatic, 127 mild, and 14 moderate.

Dr. Michelle Schlosser, the task force spokesperson, reminded residents to avail themselves of free swab tests and online consultation should they manifest influenza-like symptoms – cough, colds, or fever.

“We are strongly encouraging the people to be very vigilant. Wearing of face masks is effective in preventing the transmission of the disease,” she said in an interview.

Vaccination, she emphasized, remains the most effective way in preventing deaths due to Covid-19.

Schlosser said the cooperation of Dabawenyos, by adhering to the mandatory face mask wearing and getting the two-dose anti-Covid-19 primary series and booster shots, will be a significant help in the city’s fight against the disease.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health in Davao Region (DOH-11) noted that of the 70 percent target of the total population, a total of 7,012,308 total doses of vaccines have been administered in the region.

Around 91.9 percent or 3,489,443 individuals got their first dose while 84.9 percent or 3,225,108 individuals were fully vaccinated, the agency said.

For booster shots, the DOH-11 data indicated that 13.7 percent or 521,996 individuals received their first dose while 1.4 percent or 54,419 individuals were given second doses. (PNA)

Photo Credit: www.davaocity.gov.ph