Negros Occidental mayor tests positive for COVID-19

BACOLOD CITY –– A town mayor in Negros Occidental tested positive for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Mayor Marvin Malacon of EB Magalona town and some members of his family were confined in a Bacolod City hospital and were recovering, said his lawyer Ariel Malunes.

EB Magalona Vice Mayor Eric Matulac is in charge of running the town so there won’t be disruption of public service.

“Mayor Malacon is a hands-on mayor and a frontliner in this fight. He seems to be recovering, and has not visited the EB Magalona town hall for some weeks to work from home as suggested by health protocols. We pray for his quick recovery,” said Rep. Francisco Benitez of Negros Occidental’s third district.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and former Rep. Alfredo Albee Benitez have been meeting with doctors, health workers, and local government officials to review and improve protocols to address local transmissions of the virus.

“COVID knows no boundaries. This virus is now breaching frontlines and frontliners. We need to double our vigilance and increase our compliance with health protocols to try and stem the tide of infection and help our health system in the fight against the virus. We need to work together to effectively battle this pandemic,” the congressman said.

“For the sake of our loved ones at risk, we shouldn’t fear the virus and let panic dictate our actions, but neither should we be complacent, and ignore health protocols,” he added.

LZB