BORACAY – There is no evidence yet that new variants of the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have reached this island and are causing the current surge in infections, according to Dr. Athena Magdamit, municipal health officer of Malay, Aklan.
Malay has jurisdiction over Boracay Island.
Magdamit, however, confirmed that the Philippine Genome Center is studying swab samples from persons who tested positive for COVID-19 here.
“We hope there are no new emerging virus variants,” she stressed in a radio interview.
The Malay Municipal Health Office (MHO), in coordination with the police, is reminding the public to strictly observe minimum health protocols – wearing of facemask and face shield in public, observing physical distancing, and proper washing of hands.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Malay, Aklan as of April 6 (cumulative or since recording started in March last year) was at 165, with 81 currently active and only one death.
Barangay Manocmanoc logged the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 38 (as of April 6) while Barangay Balabag had 35.
The cases were isolated in barangays Argao and Caticlan in mainland Malay, at Marzon Hotel and Aklan Training Center in Kalibo, Aklan and privately-owned houses in Boracay Island.
Beginning April 1, Barangay Balabag was placed under a two-week enhanced community quarantine while two zones in Barangay Manocmanoc were placed on surgical lockdown also until April 14.
A “superspreader” party at a bar on March 10 was being blamed for the COVID-19 cases in Boracay Island.
The Malay municipal police station has started an investigation.
“May pattern ang pag-spread ng virus. Halos ang may COVID-19 konektado sa nasabing party,” said Magdamit./PN
