Increasing COVID-19 cases in Laguna due to population density

By Rachel Joy Gabrido July 14, 2020 Sulong Calabarzon online program hosted by PIA 4A Regional Dir. Ma. Cristina Arzadon with DOH4A R...

By Rachel Joy Gabrido
July 14, 2020

Sulong Calabarzon online program hosted by PIA 4A Regional Dir. Ma. Cristina Arzadon with DOH4A Regional Dir. Eduardo Janairo.

BAY, Laguna – Department of Health Region 4A (DOH 4A) Regional Director Eduardo Janairo clarified that one of the reasons for the increasing number of confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) cases in the province of Laguna is the population density.

During the Sulong Calabarzon online program of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Calabarzon, Janairo laid down the identified reasons for the rising number of active cases in the province of Laguna.





“The more population that you have the higher density mas madali ang magkahawahan at magkaroon tayo ng maraming kaso (it is easier to spread and have new cases),” Janairo said.

DOH4A Regional Director Eduardo Janairo stated that out of the 123 Municipalities in the Calabarzon region, only 23 are not affected by COVID-19. While all the 20 cities in the region have been affected.





He then explained that this figures mean that the more population density, the easier and faster it is to spread the virus.

For instance, in Laguna, Janairo said the province has numerous industries located in its cities like Technopark where there is a higher population of workers plus the number of enclosed population of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) or inmates. Laguna may also have been faster in contact tracing, hence, the increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases.





The contribution of Calabarzon to the national cases of COVID19 has only been usually 6 to 7 percent.

With this, he said they are closely monitoring the cases in the region and their goal is to not exceed the 7 percent mark because it will be very alarming if Calabarzon would have more cases compared to Cebu City.

DOH4A RD Janairo also clarified that based on his personal research, COVID-19 is still transferred through droplets.

He took a stand that it is not yet proven that the virus is airborne and most of those who claim it to be airborne only based their claims on their experiential agreement.

Janairo said that social distancing, wearing of facemask, washing of hands, and personal hygiene remain to be the important ways of preventing the contagion of COVID-19. (Joy Gabrido/PIA4A)