Caloocan Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan confirmed Tuesday that a city government worker has been infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), but that the man “was able to recover and his health improved.”
“It came to my knowledge today according to the DOH (Department of Health) report. Our colleague last visited City Hall on March 3, 2020 or 13 days ago before showing symptoms and being diagnosed as having COVID-19,” Malapitan said in a statement.
As his situation improved, the doctors sent the worker home to help him recover, the mayor said.
“We and the local government can support such an officer and his family in their path today. We make sure our health officials maintain a strong relationship with his for his protection,” he added.
People who have had close contact with the officer have also been identified and advised to self-quarantine based on the rules implemented by the DOH, Malapitan said.
“We also ordered the immediate closure of City Hall and again disinfect the entire building. I also ordered more stringent social distancing implementations,” he said.
Ever since COVID-19 broke out in the country, Caloocan immediately put in place a strict ban on people entering City Hall, the mayor noted.
“We put alcohols in various places and conducted periodic sanitation in offices and places where people go to City Hall to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.
Caloocan residents “are sure that your local government will continue to serve to prevent further disasters. Local health officials will continue to provide health advisories and the city’s situation regarding the virus,” the mayor added.
Malapitan asked that the public continue to keep up to date with the events and follow the advice of the authorities on precautions and health promotion.
“Please expect the safety of your colleagues, family and community in the City Government. Let us continue to support one another as we face this difficult situation,” he said.
The mayor also asked City Hall employees, especially those in the frontline services, to further enhance the workforce and ensure that public service is not interrupted for the people of Caloocan.
“With the help of God, we can overcome it,” he said.