‘COVID-19 patients should not hide’

By Felipe V. Celino 

 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Capiz governor Esteban Evan Contreras believes that a person infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) should not hide so that contact tracing by authorities will be easier.

Contreras, who was also infected with SARS-CoV-2 which causes the disease, said contact-tracing efforts play a big role to prevent the spread of the virus.

While he is asymptomatic, Contreras said he continues to eat nutritious food and observe regular exercise.

“I’m still handling administrative and governance of the province. Health protocol and security are being observed to enable me to function with the help of the provincial administrator performing delegated administrative functions along with other department and office heads,” the governor added.

Contreras said that all the papers and documents that needs his signature will be brought to his house. He always wears a face shield, mask, and gloves and the documents and papers he signs are disinfected before releasing.

He hopes that he doesn’t infect other employees after Provincial Administrator Edwin Chinel Monares, who was with him every day, tested negative.

Meanwhile, Joefry Espiritu, Development Management Office IV of the Department of Health (DOH) in Capiz, said that 170 individuals had close contact with Contreras.

Espiritu said they were advised to undergo strict-home quarantine and isolation while testing is ongoing as he expects the number of cases to increase because of contact tracing efforts.