Tacloban mayor catches COVID-19

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The mayor of this city has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez has been isolated since Wednesday, city administrator Aldrin Quebec and health officer Gloria Fabrigas confirmed on Thursday.

Six of Romualdez’s staff were also quarantined.

The mayor’s daughter, Sophia, tested negative for the virus, but was also quarantined to ensure that she will not be infected.

Tracing of those who had been exposed to Romualdez is ongoing.

Fabrigas said the mayor underwent swab testing after he experienced sore throat and fatigue.

Romualdez was among the 14 cases in the city on Wednesday.

Batanes logs 3rd case

Meanwhile, Batanes, which regained its COVID-free status last month, recorded its third case on Wednesday.

Gov. Marilou Cayco said the 82-year-old patient arrived in Basco from Bacoor, Cavite.

Cayco said the patient and his relatives were sent to the province’s quarantine facility.

Batanes recorded its first two cases in September.

In Cagayan, the police station in Amulung town was locked down after an official tested positive for the virus yesterday. The province logged 18 new cases.

The police official and his men were quarantined in the police station.

An augmentation force will be deployed in the town.