The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office IX has confirmed that a total of 29 registered positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) inside the Home for the Elderly located at Barangay Talon Talon, Zamboanga City.
Fatima Caminan, DSWD IX, regional director told RPN DXXX Zamboanga, one house parent turned out to be positive while 28 elderlies.
Caminan said, last August 31, some of the elderly were having fever, because of this, rapid test was done where a house parent turned out positive.
Swab test was immediately conducted to all 47 personnel in the center which resulted to 29 positive.
The regional director said, those positive were not transferred to isolation facilities as recommended by doctors instead stayed in their area. The negative elderlies were transferred to the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) which is available for use since the area is vacant.
RSCC recently transferred to their new location at the DSWD Compound located at barangay Mampang.
She assured all patients now are asymptomatic and well taken cared. As to how the virus entered the center, they have no idea yet.
However, she said, the house parent is going home on a weekly basis and the virus is currently spreading in the community. (R.G. Antonet A. Go)
(Source: Interview with Fatima Caminan, DSWD IX, Regional Director)