Valencia man tests positive for Covid-19

BUKIDNON has its first case of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), health authorities from the province and region confirmed today.

In his post on Facebook Thursday afternoon, Dr. Ricardo Reyes, provincial health officer, said the patient is “presently on home quarantine and his immediate community has been locked down.”

“Extensive contact tracing is underway to ensure that everyone who had close contact with the patient will also be isolated to prevent the further spread of the disease in the locality,” Reyes said in his post.

Dr. Adriano Suba-an, Department of Health regional director, confirmed query from reporters through text message regarding the information received that a resident from one of the barangays in Valencia City, Bukidnon, tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement she posted on Facebook on the same day, Valencia Mayor Azucena Huervas also confirmed that one of her constituents has contracted the virus.

Huervas said the patient is a resident of Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia.

The patient’s test result arrived in the city April 9, she said.

She said the patient “has a history of visiting the derby in Matina, Davao City on March 12, 2020.”

Because of this development, the mayor has requested residents to stay home and directed the city police to be “more strict in the implementation of our policies.”

Those who go out to go to the market to buy food are advised to wear face masks and observe social distancing.

Reyes has urged Bukidnon residents to strictly follow Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri’s executive orders 13, 13-A, and 20, “as well to observe the DOH guidelines on social distancing, wearing of face mask, proper cough etiquette, proper hand washing, and personal hygiene and sanitation.”

The province of Bukidnon has been put by Zubiri under a general community quarantine. (Jigger J. Jerusalem)