Vizcaya gov. vice gov, mayors, execs get Covid

By Vince Jacob Visaya

SANTIAGO CITY -- Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla has tested positive for Covid-19 and is under quarantine at a private hospital in Solano town in this province.
    Padilla said via mobile on Monday that he is experiencing mild symptoms while massive contact tracing to his close contacts is ongoing.
    “My swab test result was only confirmed on April 5 but I have been quarantined for three days already since I was swabbed,” he said, adding that he has been staying at Salubris Medical Center.
    Padilla is likewise urging his constituents who he came in close contact with to self-isolate and inform barangay leaders if they experience any symptoms for Covid-19.
    He, however, denied that he is in critical condition, as claimed in some social media posts.
    Aside from him, two mayors — Dolores Binwag of Quezon and Dr. Ping Balgos of Bambang and two vice mayors — Philip     Dacayo of Solano and Ruben Sayo of Aritao are also in quarantine after being tested positive for the virus.
    One board member, Patricio Dumlao, is also in quarantine.
    Padilla said they may have been infected by Luis Binwag, husband of Dolores, during an informal meeting. Luis was earlier confirmed positive of the virus.
    Vice Gov. Jose Tomas Sr. is also positive for Covid-19 and is in isolation in another hospital.
    “Our province is the convergence area and terminal of those going to Ifugao, Quirino, Isabela, Cagayan and other towns in the province,” he added.
    As of April 4, Nueva Vizcaya has 1,457 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 403 active cases, 1,002 recoveries and 52 reported deaths. New cases reached 34 on Sunday.
    Another fatality was earlier recorded. Board Member Cirilo Galindez, a 67-year-old retired medical center chief of the Region 2 Trauma and Medical Center, died on April 2, Padilla added.
    “The province mourns with and celebrates the extraordinary life of this remarkable gentleman from the south who devoted his life to public service to our common home, Nueva Vizcaya. His energy and life-long dedication to improve the public health system of the province will continue to inspire our younger generations and will forever remain as his long-lasting legacy to our people,” Padilla added.
    “Despite the new challenges brought by this pandemic including the loss of more lives, let us not forget to foster respect and solidarity with others, especially those who are weak, poor and sick.”
    A four-day lockdown was already imposed at the provincial capitol.