Bulacan gov commits to help isolating COVID-19 patients in CSJDM

CITY OF MALOLOS – Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando vowed to work hand in hand with the City Government of San Jose Del Monte to lower the coronavirus cases until it is totally eradicated by helping in the isolation of patients and close contacts of positive individuals during the former’s visit in the said city this morning.

After assessing the coronavirus disease situation in the CSJDM, the governor emphasized the importance of coordination and vigilance to prevent the virus from spreading.

“Lahat naman tayo apektado, pero dito sa Bulacan, kayo kasi ang pinakamalapit sa epicenter ng virus kaya naiintindihan natin na tumataas ang kaso ng nagpopositibo. Kailangan nating magtulungan, palakasin ang coordination at talagang umiwas na sa home quarantine para mas mabantayan natin kahit na mga suspect cases pa lamang, palakasin natin ang ating mga quarantine facility,” Fernando said to City Mayor Arthur Robes during a brief program held at the Municipal Covered Court.

Mayor Robes admitted that majority of their population are working in Metro Manila but they cannot lockdown the city because the present state of economy is already hurting them.

“Concerned kami, natatakot din kami. Iniisip din namin ang mga pamilya namin kaya nag-iisip kami ng paraan para malabanan ‘tong virus na ‘to. Bagaman binuksan namin ang mga Negosyo, mahigpit kami sa pag-observe ng protocols. We procured swab kits, nakipag-tie up kami sa Red Cross, sa league of mayors at ngayon sa bubuksang private hospital para mas mabilis ang paglabas ng result,” Robes said.

Dr. Betzaida Banaag, City Health Officer, requested to fasten the swab results so that they can immediately conduct contact tracing and to submit to them the complete information of the patients.

“Minsan kasi dumadating dito ‘yung list ng nag-positive nauuna pang malaman ng pasyente, nakakahawa na kasi ‘di agad na-quarantine. Minsan bibigyan kami ng list, ilalagay lang barangay, eh sa laki nito at dami ng populasyon napakahirap naming hanapin kaya magre-request sana kami sa mga concerned office na kumpletuhin ang impormasyon,” Banaag said.

Dr. Jocelyn Gomez, Provincial Health Officer, added that this is also the case for the Overseas Filipino Workers.

“Isa pang concern, nakakauwi ang mga OFW sa mga bahay nila ng ‘di natin nalalaman, minsan iko-coordinate in transit na, hours na lang nandito na, nagpasundo na sa mga pamilya nila,” Gomez shared.

In conclusion, Fernando said that during the modified general community quarantine, entry and exit points to and from the National Capital Region must be strictly monitored. He also instructed Provincial Director Lawrence Cajipe to strengthen the OPLAN SITA especially in mask wearing and social distancing.

Currently, there are 100 positive cases, 37 recoveries and seven deaths in CSJDM.###