Guimaras remains free from COVID-19 — official

The local government of Guimaras had practiced early measures and anticipated the risks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which resulted in the province being still free from the disease.

"Anticipation is very important dahil kung ma-a-anticipate mo kung ano 'yung magiging kalaban mo, you could make some sort of paunang steps so kung ikumpara natin 'yung parasitic infection, bacterial, at saka viral infection, 'yung viral infection has the capacity to be explosive," Governor Samuel Gumarin said at the  Laging Handa press briefing on Friday.

"Ibig sabihin, kung magkaroon ng carrier sa isang probinsya, sa isang bahay, lahat ng nasa bahay ay magkakaroon kung sakali..." he added.

Gumarin said as early as January 31, the local government of Guimaras already prohibited the entry of individuals from the National Capital Region.

"So eventually, the succeeding executive order, pinaigting po namin 'yung border control..." Gumarin said.

"Naunahan namin 'yung COVID upon learning that the source is a virus... we prepared ourselves for this," he added.

Gumarin said at least six seafarers would arrive in the province by Saturday. He ensured that they would be isolated in a quarantine facility in the province. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News