BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Mayor Jose Maria Alonso of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), becoming the second local chief executive in the province to contract the infectious illness.
Alonso had his specimens collected for testing on Wednesday afternoon after his wife became sick and eventually tested positive for the virus.
His wife’s swab results also prompted the mayor to have his entire household undergo testing.
According to the mayor, the eight remaining individuals in his house tested negative for COVID-19.
Alonso is asymptomatic while his wife is now recovering and no longer exhibiting symptoms of the viral disease.
He will continue performing his tasks as mayor from home.
Previously, Mayor Marvin Malacon of E.B. Magalona town was also infected with COVID-19, although he later recovered after undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bacolod City.
Following Alonso’’s announcement, the Municipal Mayor’s Office, Budget Office, and Treasurer’s Office were placed on lockdown and their respective employees will undergo swab tests.
Based on the Sept. 22 data of the provincial government, Negros Occidental has a total of 2,713 cumulative COVID-19 cases, 1,532 of which are active, 1,127 recovered and 54 died./PN
