NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, former congressman now provincial consultant Alfredo “Albee” Benitez and four other officials have tested negative for the Covid-19 virus, based on the results of their respective real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests Thursday, September 23, 2021.
Provincial Administrator Lawyer Rayfrando Diaz II said also tested negative were Board Members Ryan Gamboa of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) - Negros Occidental Chapter and Jeffrey Tubola of Sixth District, and Mayors Francis Frederick Palanca ad Marvin Malacon of Victorias City and E.B. Magalona town, respectively.
They were tested five days after they had exposures to Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco during the Love Negros fellowship on Saturday, September 18, in Talisay City.
Zayco was earlier tested positive for coronavirus.
Silay City Mayor Mark Golez becomes the third local chief executive to be infected with the virus after attending the meeting of Love Negros.
In a post on his Facebook account, Golez said, “it is with heavy heart that I inform everyone that I have tested positive for Covid-19 [virus].”
“Nevertheless, I assure you, my fellow Silaynons, that there is nothing to worry as I am only exhibiting mild symptoms and I am fully vaccinated against the virus,” he said.
He emphasized that strict quarantine protocols have been observed during his isolation and that prompt and precise contact tracing has been conducted in order to immediately identify and contain those he have come into contact with.
“With the occurrence of this unfortunate event, I implore everyone to be more extra careful whenever outdoors and to cooperate with the government’s mandate in addressing this pandemic,” Golez said.
“We need to understand that it is vital to always exercise Safety Health Protocols set by our Inter-Agency Task Force Against Covid-19 and the Department of Health so as to protect our family and loved ones from the spread of this virus,” he also said.
The mayor urged his unvaccinated constituents to coordinate with their respective barangay health workers so they can be scheduled in our forthcoming inoculation activities.
“As we work hand in hand, this Covid-19 pandemic will surely pass. We shall overcome this crisis once and for all. Let us heal together as we build a better community for everyone,” he said.
“Let us not be afraid in facing this challenge as God is with us through all the events of our lives,” he added.
Like Golez, Talisay City Mayor Neil Lizares III has also been infected with the virus.
Lizares, who was also in the gathering, announced through his official Facebook page on Tuesday, September 21, that he also tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and is now in isolation.
The mayor said he remains asymptomatic and reassured everyone that he is taking every step possible to ensure that he stays in good health.
“Let us continue to pray for the fast recovery of all Covid-19 active cases in the City of Talisay,” he said, urging everyone to get vaccinated and continue to follow all minimum safety standards and health protocols for their protection.
A total of 13 mayors, seven board members and nine officials of PCL-Negros Occidental also attended the said meeting.
The swab test results of other officials have yet to be released. (TDE)