Three Manila city government officials have tested positive for coronavirus, Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso revealed, as he reminded the public and local authorities not to be complacent as the national government reported the highest one-day increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.
Domagoso made the disclosure during the flag-raising ceremony at the Manila City Hall on Monday, which was broadcast live on Facebook.
“Today is one of the saddest moments of our city government because three of our key officials in the City of Manila has been infected by COVID-19,” Domagoso said, without identifying the officials.
The three officials are now under quarantine and undergoing treatment, the mayor said. Contact tracing and targeted testing activities are now being carried out for those who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
While Domagoso and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan were exposed to the three officials, they have tested negative for COVID-19.
“We have three, and sad to say, we were exposed again”•Vice Mayor and I were exposed because these are key personnel that we meet day-in and day-out, every hour, every day of our duties, that’s why we really have to be careful,” he said.
The matter was discussed as the Manila City government continues to carry out mass testing operations via swab tests and rapid antibody test kits in the nation’s capital.
As of Friday, July 3, about 147,071 rapid tests and 14,893 swab tests have been conducted by the Manila City government.
The mayor also stressed the importance of mass testing operations and compliance with public health protocols such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing.
“It’s really dangerous and we really have to take care of ourselves. Practice simple things (for prevention),” he said.
Domagoso warned against the public’s complacency, stressing that proper preventive measures such as physical distancing, wearing of masks and other public health protocols must be stirctly
In a memorandum issued to Manila Police District (MPD) chief Rolando Miranda and all barangay chiefs, Domagoso stressed that protocols and guidelines set by the national government must be strictly observed during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The City Police Office and all Punong Barangays are hereby directed to strictly implement the National Inter-Agency Task Force EID General Community Quarantine protocols and guidelines, city ordinances on curfew and mandatory wearing of face masks in public places, and such other ordinances and laws intended to contain the transmission of COVID-19,” Domagoso said.
The mayor said police visibility must be intensified during curfew hours while barangay workers will assist the MPD as a “force multiplier” in enforcing protocols against the pandemic.
“The City Police Office and the Manila Barangay bureau shall immediately coordinate with each other to strategize the implementation of the directives mandated herein,” he said.