16 town gov’t workers get Covid-19; masks ordered

By Vince Jacob Visaya

CABATUAN, Isabela -- The local government unit here has implemented mandatory wearing of masks among government workers in its offices since May 19, local officials said.
    This came after 16 town hall workers were confirmed Covid-19 positive in both antigen and RT-PCR tests.
    The workers, who do not have travel histories, were placed under a seven-day home quarantine. Disinfection was also carried out in municipal offices.
    Mayor Bernardo Garcia earlier ordered a half-day of work on Friday as contact tracing is ongoing.
    Two days ago, two contractual workers under the Government Internship Program tested positive for the Covid-19 virus and were placed under home quarantine for seven days. Garcia tasked the Rural Health Unit-Cabatuan and PNP-Cabatuan police in implementing the mandatory wearing of masks among workers in the local public places. Villagers were also urged to use masks.
    Mask distribution and information drives in the town have been imposed.
    Earlier, eleven teachers and two students of the Cabatuan National High School were put under home isolation last week after they were confirmed Covid positive.
    The classes were also held either online or modular until Friday.