ILOILO City – This city has recorded its fourth confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This is also its first local transmission of the disease. Wary of more transmissions, Mayor Jerry Treñas once again appealed to residents: “If possible, stay in your houses. Don’t leave your houses.”
This new case – also Western Visayas’ 34th COVID-19 patient – had close contact with the city’s second COVID-19 patient, according to Treñas.
The patient is a 59-year-old male from Mandurriao district. He is hypertensive and diabetic.
Treñas said the patient is confined in a hospital.
Contact tracing has started, he added.
Treñas also confirmed that the city’s second COVID-19 confirmed case – and the region’s 11th case – a 72-year-old male from Mandurriao, died on March 21.
“Please, ang akon ginapangayo gid sa aton mga pumoluyo, kon pwde man lang magtinir kamo sa inyo balay, magtinir kamo,” said Treñas.
Observe social distancing and wear facemask, he added.
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.
These droplets also land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
Treñas assured residents the city government would be giving them provisions while on home quarantine.
“Ginhawa ta ka pangita paagi makakita masks and canned goods. Ginapadul-ong naton sa aton kabaranggayan paagi sa aton barangay officials,” said Treñas.
As to the possibility of extending the enhanced community quarantine, the city mayor said the city government is studying all options.
“May mga private doctors nanawag sa akon kay may mga concerns man sila. Malantaw ko anay sang ila recommendations. I don’t want to make a decision which is not science-based,” said Treñas.
The enhanced community quarantine is set to end on April 14.
The city government has transformed barangay daycare centers as community kitchens to feed people during the quarantine period.
Treñas announced recently that through these community kitchens thousands of pandesal would also be distributed.
For 15 days beginning yesterday, residents here will be treated to free pandesal.
Three companies are joining forces to produce the popular bread so no one would go hungry.
Over 40,000 pieces of “Ilonggo pandesal” would be baked and distributed daily, according to Treñas.
The Uygongco Flour Mill volunteered to provide flour while the Carlos Uy Corp. would supply the other needed ingredients.
Angelina Bakeshop would bake the pandesal. The city government would distribute the bread.
Treñas lauded the three home-grown companies for their “sense of bayanihan.”
“They are doing this for the love of Iloilo City,” he said.
“Ang importante makalampuwas kita sini nga dala naton tanan nga mga Ilonggo. When we get through this, hopefully, no one will be left behind,” said Treñas./PN
