Ormoc City confirms first COVID-19 infection

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 5) - The City of Ormoc in Leyte province reported its first COVID-19 case, it was confirmed by Mayor Richard Gomez on Friday.

In an online address, Gomez said the infected patient arrived in the city via AirAsia Z28570 and previously tested negative for the virus in Manila.

He noted that the city’s lone case was among the 30 individuals who underwent coronavirus test on June 3.

Gomez also said most of those who arrived from Cebu and Manila are now in the city’s quarantine facility.

He added that 215 of those quarantined are considered probable patients, with most them already tested negative for the virus.

The mayor previously said he has no issues with the “Balik Probinsya” program, but noted that health protocols and proper documentation should be followed.

In this latest development, Gomez reiterated his sentiment.

“Pagdating nila dito sa bayan namin o sa ibang lugar, you’ll never know kung kanino didikit yun. Lahat ng nakausap nun, iko-contact tracing. Kailangan talaga natin makipag-cooperate,” he said.

[Translation: When they arrive here in our town or in other places, you’ll never know whom they had contact with. Everyone they had a contact with needs to be traced. We need to cooperate.]

Meanwhile, the mayor said the local government will continue to impose strict border controls with the help of the police.

People coming from places with COVID-19 cases will not be allowed to enter the city, Gomez said, adding that local residents of Ormoc will also be prohibited from getting out of the city.

The country has more than 20,300 COVID-19 infections as of Friday, with around 4,200 recoveries and 984 deaths.