Ginatilan logs 32 new cases in a week

CEBU, Philippines — After tallying 32 new COVID-19 cases in one week, the municipality of Ginatilan has reiterated its call for the public to observe minimum health protocols.

Mayor Dean Michael Singco said the town tallied 32 active cases from Jan. 18 to 25, prompting stricter implementation of health protocols.

Due to what he described as an “alarming number” of new cases, Singco said barangay officials, including tanods, have been directed to strictly implement the protocols.

“Akong hangyo niining sunod nga 14 days nga dili usa magkompiyansa. Sunod sa health protocols. Ug tingbon ang lakaw para makausa ra. Likayan ang mga kalihokan ug tapok-tapok nga dili kaayo importante o dili essential. Dili usa mo-attend og birthday party, bunyag, kasal, fiesta, ug uban pa,” the mayor said.

(My appeal is that for the next 14 days, let us not be complacent. Let’s follow health protocols. And let’s run our errands all at once. Let us avoid gatherings that are not important. Let’s avoid birthday parties, christening, fiesta, etc.)

Of the 32 active cases, 14 are detainees, nine are municipal employees, four are Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, and one may have contracted the virus after obtaining a business permit at the municipal hall.

A member of the family of one of the infected municipal workers and three members of the family of the person who secured business permit had also tested positive.

However, all infected individuals are already isolated. Contact tracing is also ongoing and primary contacts will be subjected for swab test.

Since many of those infected are municipal employees, most of the municipal offices have shifted to a work-from-home setup, said Singco.

He said they also gave extension to the period to obtain business permits since one of the affected areas in the municipal hall is the treasurer’s office.

He added that fire stations, police stations, including detention cells, have been disinfected while personnel have been asked to go on quarantine. — JMD (FREEMAN)