SAN JOSE, Antique – Mayor Gian Carlo F. Occeña of Sibalom, Antique contracted SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In an official statement he released yesterday afternoon, Occeña confirmed having undergone reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test on April 3 after he was exposed to a COVID-19 case on March 23.
His test result was released on April 4.
Occeña made it public yesterday “for the sake of transparency.”
“My exposure to the virus started during our meeting in the afternoon of March 23. Then I began experiencing itchiness in my throat… (On) March 29, 2021 I had a low-grade fever. I started coughing on April 3 and had difficulty breathing the following day. I was advised to be admitted in a hospital facility,” according to the mayor.
As of yesterday, Occeña said his condition had stabilized.
He reminded the people of Sibalom not to be complacent “because we never see where the virus is.”
“Everyone is advised to observe the minimum health standards all the time and show concern for each other’s welfare,” he added.
Since the pandemic began last year, Sibalom recorded 25 cases. It currently has 22 active cases. One case already recovered while two others died./PN
