Davao del Sur: : Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in the city, saying that the patient is a 37-year old male who attended a cockfight derby in Matina Gallera in Davao City between March 6-13, 2020.
The city LGU has earlier reported the patient as “presumptive positive,” and it just received a confirmation from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) that said patient is indeed infected with the disease.
On a Facebook live interview this afternoon, Cagas said the patient manifested flu-like symptoms on March 20, and was referred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on March 23.
He revealed though that the patient is now in stable condition and recovering well, as he no longer exhibits COVID-19 symptoms.
The mayor assured his constituents that the moment the patient was considered a patient under investigation (PUI), the family and those identified to have direct contact with him were immediately put under strict home quarantine.
“They are monitored everyday,” he assured, adding that contact tracing has been intensified.
With the recent developments, Cagas disclosed that the city will be imposing an intensified community quarantine, specifically prohibiting inns and hotels to accept guests, as one of the additional provisions in the guidelines.
He added that motorcycle drivers will only be allowed one back rider who must wear a face mask and tricycles will be allowed up to two passengers only.
“We should take care of ourselves. Let’s observe the home quarantine pass, go out only when you need to buy food or medicine. To those working, be careful in your respective workplace. Observe hygiene, proper hand washing and social distancing, to ensure that we’re all safe,” the mayor appealed to his constituents.
“We have to protect ourselves and others so that we will not get infected,” he added.