3 Manila officials positive for coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday urged residents to continue to exercise caution as he confirmed that three key city government officials had tested positive for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

He did not identify the three officials although he said that they were among those he and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan frequently had meetings with at City Hall.

“That is why we have to be very careful. You are seeing me and the vice mayor now because we have undergone swab tests, and our results came out negative,” Domagoso said during the weekly flag ceremony.

According to the city public information office (PIO), two of the three were department heads while the third was a city councilor.

Mayor’s appeal

Saying the virus could infect anyone, Domagoso appealed to residents to continue practicing the minimum health standards set by the Department of Health, especially since 31 villages in the city had just been placed on lockdown due to a spike in COVID-19 cases in these areas.

“We are always reminding you that COVID-19 is dangerous because it does not choose who will be infected. Everyone can be exposed to this virus … You must not allow yourselves to be put in danger. Practice the simple things such as wearing your face mask and frequently washing your hands,” he said.

As of Monday, a total of 8,689 residents in the 31 affected villages had undergone rapid antibody testing, with 172 found positive, according to the Manila PIO.

Of the total infected cases, 131 were from Districts 1 and 2. So far, 136 of those who tested positive have been admitted to city hospitals for treatment.

The Manila Police District, on the other hand, reported that 260 individuals were arrested for violating quarantine protocols in the 31 areas under lockdown.