Follow Health Protocols, Tuba Residents Told as Town Records 1st COVID Case

The mayor here appealed to all residents of this municipality to strictly follow all the COVID-19 precautionary measures and health protocols as the town records its first COVID-19 confirmed case.

Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan said Tuba Municipal Health Officer Dr. Lorigrace Austria reported yesterday that a 44-year old male tested positive of the COVID-19 based on the swab test result that just came in from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center testing laboratory.

The patient is a vegetable truck driver with travel history in various areas in Metro Manila and Bulacan. He is currently admitted at the Benguet General Hospital and in stable condition.

As a prompt response to contain and prevent the possible spread of the virus, Sal-ongan placed Sitio Bangcua in Poblacion, Tuba under total lockdown until further notice while the Municipal Health Office is conducting thorough contact tracing.

She said the municipal government is doing the best it could to prevent and contain the disease, which would only be possible with the full cooperation of the residents.

Meanwhile, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda issued Executive Order 038-2020 placing a portion of Sitio Botiwtiw in Barangay Balili here under a Extreme Enhanced Community Quarantine from June 6, 2020 until further notice with the newest case in the municipality.

This will allow authorities to conduct precautionary measures such as disinfection and sanitation and the area and other needed protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus in other areas

During the EECQ, residents are not allowed to go out of their homes even on an errand for essential goods. Stores and other establishments within the area will not be allowed to open. Checkpoints will also be established at strategic areas within the sitio.

The 22 year old patient is the only current case of this capital town with the nine earlier cases already recovered. (PIA Benguet)