BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental is on self-isolation.
His throat felt sore while distributing relief assistance early this week to typhoon-displaced residents in southern Negros.
The self-isolation will be for three days beginning yesterday, according to Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz.
He did not say if Lacson will be taking a reverse transcription-– polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
Sore throat is one of several symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to Diaz, Lacson was having a hard time delivering speeches in the towns of Cauayan and Hinoba-an.
Upon their return to Bacolod City, Lacson immediately underwent a rapid antigen test.
The result showed he was “non-reactive”, according to Diaz.
However, the governor was still advised by doctors to take a three-day “health break”, said Diaz.
“He was given medication for a cough,” the provincial administrator added.
Earlier, Lacson reminded the public not to shrug off fever but instead consider it as a suspected symptom of COVID-19 and immediately isolate.
Lacson issued the reminder after it was observed that flu-like symptoms have become prevalent probably due to the prevailing cold weather.
The other day, Lacson said he personally saw on his way to Hinoba-an several people not wearing facemasks despite the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the province.
The governor ordered two additional COVID-19 designated hospitals and quarantine facilities in case the surge goes on.
At present the province is utilizing the Cadiz District Hospital as the province’s only designated COVID-19 hospital.
Reserved in case of a spike in infections are the Valladolid District Hospital and Valeriano Gatuslao District Hospital in Himamaylan City./PN
