COVID-19 infects public officials

As cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to increase daily, public officials in Iloilo are not spared by the contagious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Iloilo City Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, who was previously admitted to a hospital after experiencing fever and vomiting, tested positive for COVID-19, City Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed on Sunday.

According to Treñas, the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of Ganzon was positive for SARS-CoV-2.

“I am saddened to inform you that Vice Mayor Ganzon has been found to be positive in his re-swab for RT-PCR test. Let us continue to pray for him as we continue to pray for all Ilonggos facing the challenges of COVID-19,” he said.

Ganzon became ill last week and was subjected to an X-ray which showed that he has acute onset pneumonia and gall stones. He also underwent rapid antibody test but it turned out negative.

In a statement, Ganzon said he is currently asymptomatic or has not manifested any signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

“Sa mga palangga ko nga pumuluyo sa syudad, luyag ko ipahibalo sa inyo nga asymptomatic positive ako sa COVID-19. Wala ako sang anuman nga sintumas sang COVID-19. Nagpa-admit ako sa ospital sang Agosto 27. Subong maayo na akon pamatyag. Wala ako ubo, hilanat kag wala naman gasuka,” he said.

Ganzon said his doctor advised him to remain in the hospital while his close contacts were already under facility quarantine and subjected to confirmatory testing.

The vice mayor said he possibly got the virus while working and visiting city residents affected by the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Almar Marfito of Dumangas town in Iloilo province along with two Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members and a village chief from the same town tested positive for COVID-19.

Dumangas Mayor Ronaldo Golez confirmed this in a radio interview on Sunday.

Golez said the municipal officials were exposed to a person who visited the Sangguniang Bayan Municipal Office and later tested positive for the virus.

Golez said all the officials are asymptomatic and currently in a facility quarantine in the town.

The local government has also started contact tracing of their close contacts and are still finalizing the barangays or areas which will be placed under lockdown.

Meanwhile, the mayor said they are still investigating reports that the village chief from Brgy. Tamboilan allegedly breached quarantine protocols after he wandered outside despite undergoing swab test. (ERS)