COVID-19 case lined up for cash aid in QC barangay, contact-tracing starts

The first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Barangay Escopa 4, Quezon City lined up to claim her cash subsidy after she had herself tested for the respiratory illness.

According to a 24 Oras report by Darlene Cay on Wednesday, the 49-year-old female patient joined 368 other beneficiaries from her barangay on April 25 to claim financial assistance from the government.

Just days earlier, on April 16, she sought medical consultation due to difficulty breathing.

Healthcare workers took samples from her for testing and sent her home for quarantine since she only showed mild symptoms.

On the night of April 25, however, her test results came back positive for COVID-19.

“Sabi ko sa kaniya, ‘Bakit di mo sinabi sa’kin na nagpa-swab test ka pala para sana na-quarantine kita hanggang sa lumabas ‘yung result mo?’” chairman Laila Arcega said

“‘Di na rin daw po niya alam kung anong gagawin niya,” she added.

The following day, barangay officials coordinated with the City Health Office to isolate the patient, who is now in stable condition at the Lung Center of the Philippines.

Local authorities have also begun tracing the contacts of the patient, which include 20 other residents of Barangay Escopa 4, two barangay staff, and her relatives.

Meanwhile, residents of Barangay Commonwealth were not able to observe social distancing measures as they lined up to receive cash aid.

“Tiyakin niyo rin na kayo ay handa sa pamamagitan ng pagsuot ng face mask. Huwag niyo tanggalin ito sa kahit anumang kadahilanan. Pagpunta niyo, tiyakin niyo rin na hindi kayo magkukumpul-kumpulan,” assistant city administrator Albert Kimpo said. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News