Iloilo City steps up contact tracing, testing

The increasing number of cases in Iloilo City is due to tight contract tracing and mass testing efforts being done to contain the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“We are doing everything we can to make the city safe,” Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said.

Close monitoring and targeted testing are done in barangays with increasing number of cases including San Isidro, Simon Ledesma and Cubay in Jaro; Bo. Obrero, Lapuz; Concepcion, City Proper; and Calaparan, Arevalo.

The City Government likewise ordered for the disinfection of La Paz Health Center Monday, Sept 21, 2020, after four of their nurses tested positive from COVID. Operations will resume tomorrow, Sept 22.

A 14-day lockdown starting Sept 17 is currently imposed in Dalayunan, Bo. Obrero, the city’s facility for male juveniles in conflict with the law. Food assistance was made available for them.

The mayor likewise ordered all frontliners of the city to be swabbed every two weeks.

“We continue to call on everyone to strictly observe health protocols in order to curb the transmission of the virus,” Treñas said.

 

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Meanwhile, work at Iloilo City Hall continues despite the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO).

“We still do our jobs, the other offices and departments remain open to the transacting public,” Treñas said.

The City Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit reported 29 positive cases from the CTO, while 57 tested negative from among the close contacts, including City Treasurer Jinny Hermano.

The whole department was disinfected on Friday, Monday and Tuesday. It will resume operations on Wednesday, Sept 23.

Treñas said personnel of the CTO will be among the city’s frontliners who will be swabbed every two weeks.

“I have daily meetings with the COVID team so that we can discuss what we should do to lower the rate of transmission in the city,” he added.

As City Hall remains in operation, the public is always reminded to observe strict health protocols: no one is allowed to enter without face mask and face shield on; hand sanitizers, thermal camera scanner are in place in every entrance; social distancing markers are found at the lobby; and limited number of persons in the elevator. (Iloilo City PIO)