10 teachers in Isabela test positive for COVID-19

Ten teachers in Ilagan City, Isabela tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Mariz Umali’s report on “24 Oras” on Thursday.

All 10 teachers from Ilagan West National High School are asymptomatic and are currently undergoing quarantine.

Department of Education Region II director Estela Leon Cariño, meanwhile, clarified that the teachers were not infected due to the distribution of modules.

“It’s not actually distribution of modules kasi po ang pag-distribute ng modules, doon po sa drop off point sa barangay and then the barangay officials are the ones distributing sa bahay-bahay or the parents go to the barangay to get these modules,” she said.

“‘Yong isang teacher who is the source of the infection among the nine, mayroon siyang ate who was infected with COVID-19. Nahawa siya sa kapatid,” she added.

Cariño said the siblings were confined for two days at the hospital after experiencing symptoms. They both underwent swab testing.

A few days after, the teacher went back to the school to attend a meeting despite not receiving the results of the swab test.

“Hindi niya sinabi na na-swab test pala siya. Otherwise, she should’ve not been allowed by the school head to report to school while waiting for the results,” Cariño said.

Further, Cariño said this is a wake-up call to all schools to strictly implement their health protocols.

Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Ilagan was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine from October 6 to 16.

“Kasi nagkakaroon na ng local transmission doon sa amin eh. Medyo prevalent na. Sugpuin muna namin ‘yong pag-spread ng disease… magkaroon ng contact tracing. At tsaka kailangan na talaga namin i-MECQ ‘yan eh kasi ‘yong rate ng transmission, mataas,” Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III said.

Ten barangays, meanwhile, are also on granular lockdown.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News