Pampanga posts 15% rise in COVID-19 cases in 15 days

According to the Department of Health (DOH) – Central Luzon, the province of Pampanga, excluding Angeles City, recorded a cumulative 43,598 confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported as of the morning of September 15, which is a 15% percent increase from the 37,900 total cases last August.

Of the 43,598 cases, 3,093 are active, 39,311 have recovered, and 1,194 have died. There is also a rise of COVID-19 cases in Angeles City—from a total of 11,590 cases last month to 13,138.

Pampanga and Angeles City have both been classified to be on a moderate epidemic risk level, along with Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Olongapo City. 

Cities and municipalities within the bounds of Pampanga that have high case increases include the City of San Fernando, Mabalacat City, Mexico, and Lubao.

Last September 10, Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH), a DOH-retained hospital in the City of San Fernando, publicized its inability to accept any more COVID-19 patients due to the lack of bed spaces, citing that several patients stayed in isolation tents, waiting to be admitted.

As of September 15, Pampanga and Angeles City have already reached a critical COVID-bed utilization rate of 90.14% and 76.69%, respectively, and temporary treatment and monitoring facilities (TTMF) occupancy rate of 57% and 100% correspondingly, thus prompting a surge response for both.  

LAYOUT BY: Sigrid Deryll Q. Dy

PHOTO SOURCE(S): Canva