Female cop stationed in Cebu City basilica infected with coronavirus

CEBU CITY—A female police officer deployed to the basilica housing the religious icon Santo Nino had tested positive for coronavirus, according to city officials.

Joel Garganera, councilor and deputy chief implementer of the city’s Emergency Operations Center, said the policewoman was assigned to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino and was tested last Monday (Jan. 18).

On Tuesday (Jan. 19), test results showed she was positive for the virus. She has shown symptoms, said Garganera.

A security guard at the basilica and seven other policemen were also isolated after they were identified as among the close contacts of the policewoman who is now on quarantine in a facility at the village of Luz.

“Right now, we have an ongoing contact tracing but rest assured everything will be contained,” said Garganera.

He dismissed fears that the policewoman may have infected devotees.

Garganera said there have been no reports yet of other people infected with the virus during the Fiesta Señor activities.

In a separate interview, Col. Josefino Ligan, director of the Cebu City police, said the policewoman was among 200 police officers who were deployed to the basilica during nine-day Masses from Jan. 8 to 17.

Ligan said the policewoman, however, was at the basilica only during the time when there were still physical or in-person Masses.

“Contact tracing has been conducted,” said Ligan.

TSB