Rise in COVID-19 cases in Lucena due to contact tracing, says mayor
LUCENA CITY –– The surge of 13 new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in this city on Tuesday is the result of pre-emptive and precautionary measures being implemented by the local government, according to City Mayor Roderick Alcala.
Alcala explained that local authorities have been aggressive in contact tracing of previously identified COVID-19 patients.
He said the identified contacts were immediately quarantined in isolation facilities, and those showing symptoms submit themselves to the COVID-19 laboratory test.
He also maintained that the rise in the number of cases was the result of the fast turnaround of test results from a COVID-19 laboratory in the city that started operations last month.
Alcala disclosed that most of the new cases were asymptomatic.
On May 20, all 29 virus carriers in this city have recovered.
Article continues after this advertisementWith the 13 new virus carriers in its record, this capital city of Quezon province has logged a total of 61 validated virus carriers.
Article continues after this advertisementAt least half of the total number of cases, or 32, have already recovered, reducing the number of local active virus carriers to 29.
Alcala disclosed that at least 12 among the new COVID-19 patients were city hall employees.
He said the local government has been implementing the mandatory 21-days quarantine for the rest of city hall workers as a precautionary measure.
“But we have a skeletal workforce, most of them composed of previously tested ‘negative’ employees so as not to disrupt the operation of the local government,” the mayor said.
He said some city hall employees have also been practicing the “work from home” scheme.
Alcala appealed to residents to strictly follow all safety protocols laid down by the authorities.
Local health authorities were still monitoring over 150 individuals suspected to be coronavirus carriers and eight “probable” patients on its list as of Tuesday.
Quezon, now under general community quarantine, has a total of 127 confirmed COVID-19 cases in its record as of Tuesday night.
At least 77 of the patients have recovered, but nine others have died.
The province now has a total of 41 active virus carriers.
LZB
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