51 test positive for COVID-19 after attending pool party in QC

A total of 51 people tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a pool party and drinking session in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon in Quezon City.

The 51 COVID-19 cases were among the 610 attendees who were subjected to RT-PCR swab tests after the event, according to a report on Unang Balita on Monday.

Video footage shared by the Quezon City local government showed attendees not wearing face masks or face shields while standing near each other at what it referred to as a "superspreader" event.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded the public that large social gatherings are still not allowed under general community quarantine.

“Kailangan pa rin ng ibayong pag-iingat at paghihigpit dahil nananatili pa rin ang peligrong hatid ng COVID-19 sa paligid,” the mayor said.

Belmonte ordered an investigation into the incident. Those who will be found to have violated guidelines and ordinances will be issued violation tickets and may face charges.

“Lahat ng mga mapapatunayang lumabag sa ating guidelines at mga ordinansa lalo na ‘yung mga nagkukumpulan at nag-iinuman o nagka-karaoke ay iisyuhan ng ordinance violation receipt (OVR) at maaaring makasuhan sa ilalim ng RA 11332,” she said. 

Barangay officials have yet to comment on the matter. 

Meanwhile, 18 of those who underwent swab tests are still awaiting test results.

Thirty-one attendees were admitted to Quezon City's HOPE facilities.

The LGU placed the community under lockdown since May 14. —KG, GMA News