Tacloban mayor tests positive for coronavirus, goes on quarantine

TACLOBAN CITY—Mayor Alfred Romualdez of this city tested positive for SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

City Administrator Aldrin Quebec on Thursday (Dec. 10) said the mayor instructed him to make public his test results to dispel rumors and assure the people of Tacloban that he was alright.

“He decided to make it public to avoid any worries and questions about his condition,” Quebec said.

According to Dr. Gloria Fabregas, the city health officer, Romualdez was among 13 new patients of COVID-19 in the city.

The mayor was the first elected official in the city to acquire the virus.

Fabregas said the 58-year-old mayor experienced COVID-19 symptoms, like slight fever and sore throat on Dec. 7, though he was no longer feeling good as early as Dec. 5.

On Thursday, test results released by the Department of Health (DOH) showed the mayor had SARS Cov2.

Fabregas said the mayor was quickly isolated. His daughter, Sofia, 21, tested negative.

Fabregas said city health workers are contact tracing, including in the household of Romualdez and some employees of City Hall.

Quebec urged residents to strictly heed health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

Tacloban currently has 55 active case of COVID-19.

Edited by TSB