Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson might go back to work Jan. 25, but on a work from home arrangement since the provincial Capitol building in Bacolod City is undergoing a full decontamination against the coronavirus disease until Jan. 28.
Provincial Administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, said that after a couple of days of isolation and rest, Lacson’s health is getting better, after he tested positive for COVID-19 Jan. 22.
Diaz said the condition of the governor is categorized as a mild case and after five days from the onset of the symptoms, his condition has improved. He can go back to work, but since the Capitol building is being decontaminated, they recommended that Lacson works from home for another two days to finish the seven-day isolation period as advised by the Provincial Health Office, Diaz added.
Lacson started experiencing flu-like symptoms Jan. 19 after a trip to southern Negros to deliver the cash and in-kind assistance of the province for victims of Typhoon Odette in Hinobaan.
He was nonreactive in the Rapid Antigen Test conducted that day, but tested positive for COVID-19 when he subjected himself to an RT-PCR test Jan. 22 at the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.
Lacson’s driver and close aide were subjected to swab tests Jan. 24, but both are doing well, Diaz said.
At the Capitol today, Jan. 24, members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office started disinfecting the offices and premises.
Diaz said 22 employees have contracted the virus, as of Jan. 24, excluding several medical frontliners of the provincial hospital who also got infected.
Dr. Ernell Tumimbang of the PHO said contact tracing continues and employees are advised to report immediately to their office head if they have symptoms of COVID-19. | MML
