The Department of Health in Western Visayas (DOH WV) has classified Aklan province as high risk as 10 of its municipalities reported a surge in the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases.

In a virtual presser on Monday, DOH WV Center for Health Development (CHD) Medical Officer III Bea Camille Natalaray said the municipalities of Madalag, Numancia, Balete, Banga, Ibajay, Kalibo, Libacao, Makato, Malay, and Malinao in the province have been classified as high-risk towns.

Aklan province recorded a jump in the number of cases starting in the May 2-8, 2021 period.

Natalaray attributed the surge in cases to various factors such as the people’s observance of the minimum public health standards (MPHS), implementation of the prevent-detect-isolate-treat-reintegrate (PDITR) strategy, and local cases of other variants, hence the increase of transmission.

The Aklan Provincial Health Office in an official statement released on July 23 confirmed three cases of the Beta (B.1.351/South African) variants and two P.3 (Philippines) variants detected from specimens sent on June 30 to the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).

Aklan Provincial Health Officer Cornelio V. Cuachon said that all cases have been tagged as recovered.

“We advise the public to remain calm and vigilant. To protect oneself from any Covid-19 variants we encourage the eligible population to get vaccinated and strictly adhere to minimum public health standards,” he said.

Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores on July 24 released an advisory reiterating for the strict observance and implementation of heightened restrictions and additional protocols and guidelines as approved by their provincial inter-agency task force (IATF).

The use of a face shield and mask is mandatory for residents of Aklan once they go out of their residence.

The movement is limited to accessing and delivery of goods and services, and work in establishments and activities allowed for areas under the general community quarantine (GCQ).

“Essential goods and services cover health and social services to secure the safety and well-being of persons such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical services, public utilities, energy, and others as may be determined by the IATF,” said the governor in his advisory.

Except for Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs), non-essential travelers have to secure a travel pass from their municipal mayor.

As of July 25, Aklan had 1,813 active cases, 5,244 recoveries, and 95 deaths.