A NATIVE of Barangay Sucad, Apalit who is currently based in Metro Manila but made a visit in his hometown recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Mayor Oscar Tetangco Jr. said the patient went home from Makati City on June 26 before the lockdown for the fiesta celebration.
Upon his arrival, the patient reportedly immediately engaged in a drinking session despite the then-existing liquor ban, Tetangco said.
He added that the patient also participated in three more drinking sessions-- on June 27 morning, June 28 evening and June 29 -- before he left for work again.
"We were alerted by health officials from Makati City where our kabalen is currently residing about the news. According to them, the patient manifested symptoms on July 7 and was immediately swab tested. The following day, the results came back positive," Tetangco said.
As of Monday noon, the mayor said 17 individuals from Apalit, mostly were companions on the four drinking sessions, were already identified as the patient's close-contact by the local government.
The 17 individuals were already quarantined upon identification, and are due for swab testing, he added.
Tetangco called on Apaliteños anew to comply with the measures being implemented by the local and national government to prevent such things from happening.
"This is a case of defiance that resulted to a much bigger problem. We have informed Apaliteños of the week-long liquor ban during our fiesta and despite our strict implementation, some, including these persons, chose to ignore it and risk themselves of the virus," he said.