The Iloilo provincial government has started tracing those who have close or direct contact with a job hire at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol who tested positive for COVID-19. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. disclosed on Monday that another employee under the General Services Office (GSO) contracted the virus. Eight persons had a direct contact with the personnel. He is now under quarantine. “Those who had close contact with the employee will undergo quarantine and will be subject to RT-PCR test,” Governor Defensor said.
The employee was believed to be infected by his family member who works at the Iloilo Fishing Port Complex in Brgy. Tanza, City Proper, where increasing COVID-19 cases were reported.
Defensor said there is no need to impose a compartmentalized lockdown of Capitol offices as only few had close interactions with the employee. To recall, the Iloilo Provincial Capitol was placed on lockdown on August 3 and 4 after a utility worker under the GSO was found positive for COVID-19. He was the first Capitol employee to test positive for the virus. The employee was a resident of Brgy. Pali Benedicto, Mandurriao, Iloilo City who was put under lockdown by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas after 10 residents contracted the virus.
Meanwhile, Defensor said the province is strengthening its health protocols inside the building to avoid the spread of the virus. He said stricter regulation of clients transacting at the Capitol will be imposed. (Capitol news)