Jail officer, repatriate add to COVID cases in Region 6

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

Two new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were recorded in Western Visayas almost a week since it shifted to a more relaxed General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

According to the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas (DOH-CHD 6), the two new patients include a jail officer from the district of Lapuz in Iloilo City and a repatriated Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who is a resident of Jordan, Guimaras.

Dr. Ma. Julia Villanueva, DOH-CHD 6 assistant regional director, said the 25-year-old female jail officer (WV Patient No. 106) works at the Bureau of Jail and Management Penology Region 6 (BJMP 6).

Villanueva said the patient initially tested negative in her first swab last May 1, 2020. Another testing was done on May 20, this time she was positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19.

“The patient is currently asymptomatic and under facility quarantine,” Villanueva said in a virtual press briefing on Friday.

The health department has yet to disclose if the patient had exposure to a previous confirmed case as contact tracing is still being initiated, Villanueva added.

Meanwhile, the 44-year-old OFW repatriate of Jordan, Guimaras (WV Patient No. 107) arrived in Iloilo City last May 20. His swabs were taken on the same day and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19.

Villanueva said the patient is also asymptomatic and is facility quarantined in Iloilo City.

As of Friday, the registered cases in Western Visayas have totaled to 107 with 24 active cases and 10 deaths. The number includes 73 patients (68%) who have recovered, 18 (17%) still under quarantine, and six (6%) admitted to health facilities.