Ilocos Norte announces flattening of COVID-19 curve in the province

The Ilocos Norte government announced on Saturday that it had flattened the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) curve in the province given the lack of new cases in almost two weeks.

"With no new confirmed transmission of COVID-19 in almost two weeks since the province's first cases, we have flattened the curve and have so far contained the virus," the provincial government said in a Facebook post.

The announcement came after the recovery of Ilocos Norte's first two COVID-19 patients, a 42-year-old male from Paoay and a 49-year-old male from Batac.

According to the provincial government, both patients tested negative in their repeat swab tests citing the announcement of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center.

"They are now asymptomatic and have recovered. As they may soon be discharged from the medical institution, we urge their respective local government units to prepare isolation areas for their 14-day quarantine," it added.

Health authorities emphasized that the patients were not a threat to the community.

Meanwhile, the provincial government urged the public to stay indoors, exercise 30 minutes a day, and observe social distancing measures.

"Together we will get through this-- Ilokano a naandur," the provincial government said

On Saturday, the Philippines reported a total of 4,428 COVID-19 cases nationwide with a total of 247 fatalities and 157 recoveries. — DVM, GMA News