Bohol Governor Yap, staff undergo self-imposed quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 patient

TAGBILARAN CITY-  Bohol Governor Arthur Yap and his staff are currently on self-imposed isolation after they were  exposed to a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) positive patient.

"Base sa Medical protocols nga atong gisunod dinhi sa Bohol,  ako sa akong mga staff niboluntaryo nga nag-isolate sa among kaugalingon ug mopaubos usab kami sa RT-PCR test sa panahon nga tugutan mi sa atong mga doctor (Based on the Medical protocols we follow here in Bohol, I and my staff volunteer to isolate ourselves and we will also undergo an RT-PCR test when we are allowed by our doctors)," Yap announced on his official Facebook page on Wednesday night.

Yap said he had an interaction with one of the delegates of the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) 2020, who tested positive of COVID-19 upon arrival in Manila. 

Yap also advised the people he met two days ago to also undergo isolation.

He clarified that he has no symptoms and is in good shape.

"Sa pagkakaron, wala akoy gibati nga sintomas, ug himsog pud ta buyag.  Ayaw mo katuo sa mga istorya nga nigawas nga na-infected ta. Fake news ra ang tanan (So far, I have not felt any symptoms, and we are healthy. Do not believe the stories that come out that we are infected. Everything is fake news)," Yap said, adding that it is part of the challenges he has to face as father of the province.

In an earlier report, one of the 51 delegates of the PHITEX 2020 had tested positive for coronavirus.

Prior to departure, the delegate underwent RT-PCR and antigen swab tests in Manila  September 18 and both yielded negative results. 

Health experts said the RT-PCR Lab detected remnant strains of the virus and if the patient remains asymptomatic is most likely non-contagious.

The delegate, after recovering from the illness, had donated blood that would be used in the research to develop a vaccine.

Meanwhile, Bohol has geared up to reopen to tourists this year after the National InterAgency Task Force (IATF) gave its approval.

Phitex 2020 was one of the activities earmarked as part of the preparations for the re-opening of Bohol tourism.

As of Sept. 29, 2020, the Bohol IATF reported that the province has 339 confirmed COVID-19 cases,  70 are active cases, 261 have recovered and 8 died. -- BAP, GMA News