Lanao del Norte guv urges public to ‘listen to authorities’ amid COVID-19 crisis

ILIGAN CITY, Mar. 31 (PIA) -- Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte has called on residents of the province to listen to authorities to protect themselves from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“Pagtuman og pag obserba sa sugyot sa gobyerno ilabi na sa Department of Health (DOH). Mahinungdanon kini nga paagi sa pagprotekta sa kaugalingon,” Dimaporo said.

[Comply and observe the suggestions of the government, especially the Department of Health. This is a great way to protect yourselves.]

The Governor further said that staying at home, observing social or physical distancing, and proper handwashing can contribute to getting rid of COVID-19.

“Atong tabangan atong mga frontliners pinaagi sa pagtuman sa mando sa DOH,” she added.

[Let us help our frontliners by following the advice of the DOH.]

The Governor made the call following the confirmation of the first COVID case in the province. Dimaporo said the patient, a 68-year old male from the municipality of Tubod, was admitted to the province isolation facility in the Old Kapatagan Provincial Hospital on March 25. He was referred to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center on March 26 and was confirmed COVID-19 positive on March 29.

The said patient attended a gathering in New Matina Davao Gallera. Contact tracing is now being conducted.

Meanwhile, the provincial government advised those who went to New Matina Davao Gallera from March 6-13, 2020 to strictly observe the 14-day quarantine.

Their family, friends, co-workers, and close contacts should also undergo self-isolation.

If they are experiencing colds, cough, fever, sore throat or diarrhea, they should immediately inform their Barangay Health Emergency Response Team for proper guidance. (APB/PIA ICIC)