Mayor appeals to Duque, Año: Temporarily suspend return of stranded individuals to Calbayog

Published June 23, 2020 10:56 AM By ANNA FELICIA BAJO,GMA News

Calbayog City, Samar Mayor Ronaldo Aquino on Tuesday appealed to the national government to temporarily suspend the return of locally stranded individuals to the city to avoid congestion in quarantine facilities and prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Aquino bared that Calbayog City started to have COVID-19 cases when LSIs returned to the locality. Of the over 800 LSIs who arrived, six have tested positive for COVID-19, he said.

"Unfortunately nang dumating 'yung mga LSIs, doon kami nagkaroon ng positive. Kaya mahigpit kami sa border ngayon, kinancel namin 'yung transportation going out and coming in Calbayog," Aquino said.

"I wrote a letter address to Health Secretary (Francisco) Duque at saka kay Interior Secretary (Eduardo) Año, kung maaari i-suspend po muna 'yung pagpasok sa Calbayog para mabawasan muna 'yung population ng quarantine facilities namin... halos lahat ng eskwelahan ay gamit na rin po namin sa barangay," he added.

Aquino said the infected individuals are already staying in quarantine facilities.

In the same interview,  the supposed celebration of the city's health department during the 100th day of the implementation of the quarantine was brought to Aquino's attention.

Dobol B sa News TV was able to obtain photos of the gathering. Aquino said he would talk to the individuals involved.

"I was not able to attend, I was not able to get a copy of the photos. Actually 'yun ang problema, ano lamang nila sa pagboost ng morale ng mga frontliners natin, sa pasasalamat walang casualties at walang local transmission dito sa amin," Aquino said.

"Tatawagan natin 'yung mga concerned, 'yung department ng city health at saka 'yung mga nandoon, bakit nangyari 'yung ganon..." he added.—AOL, GMA News
 

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