'Paki-test muna papupuntahin niyo dito,' Richard Gomez asks nat'l gov't as Ormoc reports 1st COVID-19 case

The local government of Ormoc, Leyte on Friday announced its first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case since it closed down its borders on March 13.

Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez said that the patient arrived via an Air Asia flight from Manila.

"To tell you honestly, I'm not happy about it. We've been very strict with our protocols. It's not a good feeling para sa isang mayor na ganyan ang nangyari," Gomez said in a live update.

"Ang sabi nung umalis daw ng Manila, negative daw, sige let's take your word. Kasi kayo naman 'yung andyan, kayo ang nag-paalis," he added.

Gomez earlier lamented the supposed lack of coordination in the return of stranded Overseas Filipino Workers to their home provinces.

"I've always said na, as much as possible, kung puwede, coordinate with us, properly, always. 'Yung lang naman ang hinihingi namin sa inyo, coordinate properly," Gomez said.

However, the mayor clarified that he is not laying the blame.

"But [what] we're telling you is that, please, you have to help us. Kasi lahat nung burden, napupunta talaga sa LGU, lahat nung trabaho naman, LGU 'yung sumasalo, it's not easy for us," he said.

According to Gomez, most of the individuals who came from Cebu and Manila, and undocumented individuals who crossed into their borders are in an isolation area in the city.

There are 215 probable patients in the city's COVID-19 center with most having tested negative for the virus in their swab test.

"Things are going to change. We will be more strict sa borders, maybe as strict as the first week. I'm asking for the cooperation of the [Philippine National Police]. Kailangan tulungan niyo kami na maging strikto din sa borders," Gomez said.

Gomez said that individuals from COVID-19 positive areas will be prohibited from entering the city while residents will be prohibited from leaving.

"Lahat ng mga nag-tatrabaho sa COVID centers, we will not allow them to go inside the city hall first. Quarantine muna sila doon sa area nila. We will have to double test 'yung mga doctors, 'yung mga med-tech namin, 'yung mga nurses inside the COVID center," he said.

The mayor said that their local government can only do so much.

"Yes, we are prepared, we are ready. But I'm not happy with what happened. It could have been prevented if strict health protocols were followed. But, again, nandyan na 'yan so we'll have to deal with it," he said.

"Sana lang sa mga national agencies, please, kung mag-papadala kayo ng mga tao sa probinsya, ang request ko lang, as mayor... paki-test ho muna, bago niyo pasakayin ng bus, bago niyo pasakayin ng eroplano," he added. -MDM, GMA News