Antique town mayor tests positive for COVID

The mayor of San Jose de Buenavista in Antique province has contracted COVID-19.

In his official statement issued on Friday, Mayor Elmer Untaran of San Jose de Buenavista confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19 despite his extra efforts to observe maximum health protocols.

“It is with a sad heart that despite extra efforts of observing maximum health protocols, my reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) conducted last July 15, 2021, of which results were released today, July 16, 2021, has resulted positive of the Covid-19 virus,” he said.

According to Untaran, he is currently asymptomatic and in stable condition. He is under home quarantine.

Following his positive swab result, the mayor ordered the temporary closure of the Office of the Mayor in San Jose to give way for disinfection.

Untaran reminded the residents to avoid being complacent and be extra careful by observing public health standards as he himself was not spared from being infected.

“This is a reminder that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, so we need to keep on observing public health standards. Always maintain social distancing, proper handwashing, wearing of face masks and face shields and staying at home or avoiding non-essential travel outside your residences, to prevent Covid-19 transmission,” he said.

From March 17 to July 14, 2021, the Municipal Health Office of San Jose de Buenavista has recorded 830 total cases with 109 active cases, 689 recoveries, and 32 deaths.  (ERS)