Albay (CNN Philippines, June 19) — Disinfection and contact tracing are underway in an evacuation center in Daraga, Albay after one of the individuals temporarily taking shelter there tested positive for COVID-19, authorities said Monday.
The female patient was placed under isolation at Anislas Infirmary Center, according to Albay Governor Grex Lagman.
Lagman said provincial health officers have also identified 30 people who were exposed or had close contact with the patient.
“The COVID positive patient, syempre we have to conform sa health protocols, nasa isolation na po siya. We’ve also identified yung mga nakasalamuha niya – mga 30 persons additional na nasa isolation rin,” said Lagman.
[Translation: The COVID-positive patient, of course we have to conform to health protocols, she is already in isolation. We’ve also identified those who were exposed to her – about 30 additional persons are also in isolation.]
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) Bicol said the patient exhibited common COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, and common cold since June 14.
“[She] was immediately isolated upon initial report of their test result which came out positive yesterday, June 18,” DOH Bicol regional director Ernie Vera said.Daraga Municipal Health Officer Edna Tan cited the congestion inside evacuation centers as among the major factors of a “possible influx of COVID-19 positive evacuees.”
Lagman assured the public that he is coordinating with health authorities to prevent the spread of the virus.
To date, over 20,000 Albayanos have been forced out of their homes amid the threat from the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.
