BACOLOD CITY — Some 32 officials of Negros Occidental went on self-isolation starting Monday, September 20, until they are tested for COVID-19.
The officials were exposed to Kabankalan Mayor Pedro Zayco, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Zayco joined a Love Negros political gathering led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and former Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City on Saturday, September 18.
Zayco on Sunday said his throat was itchy and he had a slight fever, prompting him to have himself tested for COVID-19.
On Monday, the test results showed that he was positive for the virus.
Zayco said the Mayor’s Office in Kabankalan City has been locked down and about 15 personnel are on home quarantine pending results of their swab tests.
“All attendees of the Love Negros meeting will have to isolate until Thursday. On Thursday, everybody will be swabbed (for COVID-19 tests),” former Rep. Benitez said.
Benitez said he tested negative for COVID-19 on Sunday “but I still need to isolate myself until Thursday, and all the others should do the same.”
The governor has canceled his appointments and will also self-isolate until he is tested, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
Rep. Francisco Benitez of Negros Occidental’s third district said he will also have himself tested.