Four town employees negative for coronavirus

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

The four employees of the local government of Lemery, Iloilo who yielded positive results in the rapid antibody test turned out negative in the second confirmatory testing for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lemery Mayor Oscar Villegas Jr. confirmed on Monday that the four town employees tested negative in the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test which is the gold standard for Covid-19 testing.

“Nareceive ko ang test results kagab-i and nalipay gid ko sa resulta sang ila test nga negative,” he said in a phone interview on Monday.

The four employees – two job orders and two regular employees – were subjected to rapid antibody testing on June 9 to June 10, 2020 along with other local government unit (LGU) employees. The four yielded positive results.

According to the mayor, the four employees will still continue with their 14-day quarantine in their respective homes.

Following the good news, Villegas said the municipal hall resumed normal operations on Monday.

“Balik normal na kami subong nga Lunes. All transactions sa munisipyo allowed na,” he said.

The town hall has been closed since June 10 for disinfection and testing of the employees.

Despite the negative results Villegas appealed to the public to not be complacent and continue to follow health protocols.

“Magsunod gid sila sa protocol kag indi gid pakampante maskin nagnegative. Continue following the health protocols like wearing of masks and maintaining safe physical distancing,” he noted.