Lanao del Sur governor tests positive for COVID-19

ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. ordered the five-day closure of the provincial capitol complex for disinfection after he confirmed on Sunday that he was infected with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to Adiong, employees at the capitol will work from home from Sept. 14 to Sept. 18 while the compound undergoes cleanup and disinfection.

“In spite of our strict adherence to health standards, I tested positive for the (SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19),” he said in a statement. “I have decided to immediately isolate myself inside a medical facility for treatment. I [have the] mild symptoms but I am generally well and in high spirits.”

Duty-bound

Adiong asked those who had come in close contact with him in the last few days to subject themselves to the mandatory 14-day quarantine. “As public servants, we are duty-bound to [protect] the public,” he said.

The governor urged the public to observe minimum health standards and to follow the guidelines of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Adiong said the province would continue to observe the “no movement day” on Sunday and other strict health protocols under MECQ.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier approved the local government’s request to place Marawi City and Lanao del Sur under MECQ starting Sept. 7 due to a sudden increase of COVID-19 cases.

As of Sept. 12, Lanao del Sur had recorded 413 confirmed cases with 333 recoveries and 15 deaths.

At least 51 of the 65 active cases have been admitted to Amai Pakpak Medical Center.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra earlier asked the National Task Force Against COVID-19 for more policemen to help ensure that health protocols in the city would be followed.

—Divina M. Suson