ILOILO – The municipal hall of Janiuay town is on a two-day lockdown starting Monday. A male engineer assigned at the Municipal Engineer’s Office tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Gin-lockdown ang amon bilog nga munisipyo para i-disinfect,” Mayor Bienvenido Margarico told Panay News.
He immediately suspended all work at the offices of Engineering, Bids and Awards, Sangguniang Bayan, Accounting, Treasurer and Mayor.
Meanwhile, the Rural Health Unit, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Department of Agriculture and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office would remain open.
These offices are outside the municipal hall, the mayor explained.
According to Margarico, the 59-year-old engineer was asymptomatic. His test result was released on Sunday, Nov. 15. It was still unclear how he contracted the viral illness.
Local health authorities were able to track at least 30 municipal government personnel who may have been exposed to the engineer.
These employees were advised to undergo strict home quarantine. They had their specimens collected for testing yesterday.
“Amon ginapangabay ang inyo paghangop sa sining panahon sang pagtiraw. Indi kita magpanic. As of this time, ang aton contact tracing team ang full force nga nagapatigayon sang contact tracing,” Margarico appealed to his constituents.
He said that all official transactions and office works at the municipal hall shall partially resume today. Employees who are considered persons vulnerable to COVID-19 are directed to work from home until further notice.
The mayor directed all department heads as well to assign their respective skeletal forces and arrange their respective schedule of duties.
As of Nov. 14, Janiuay had a total 61 COVID-19 cases – 16 of which were active, 43 recovered and two died./PN
