Mariveles LGU steps up efforts to contain 1st CCovid-19 case in town

MARIVELES, Bataan-- The Municipal government of Mariveles is now undertaking further steps to contain the first coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in the town.

In a statement, Mayor Jocel yn Castaneda disclosed that the resident who tested positive has no travel history and is now being treated in a public hospital.

"On March 22, he was taken to the hospital because he was having asthma, and was identified as person under investigation because he had difficulty in breathing and had fever, symptoms of COVID-19," she revealed.

Castaneda assured her constituents that they have already taken necessary efforts to prevent the spread of the disease in nearby barangays.

"We have already conducted contact tracing to people he has come into contact with. The barangay where the patient resides has been disinfected and other barangays will also soon be disinfected. We have distributed alcohol to the barangay, including nearby households from different barangays," she stressed.

"That barangay where the patient lives is now under 24hour total lockdown. This means that all residents in that barangay are prohibited to leave their homes to make it easier for us to conduct contact tracing," Castaneda furthered.

The mayor added that they have implemented contingency plans which include Palengke on Wheels which a mobile market visiting barangays in the town; Mini Market in the Barangay which is a market placed in every covered court in the town to provide basic goods; and Kitchen in the Barangay which is a program that will provide food for residents severely affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine.

Also, hand washing stations were already placed in public places and checkpoints, while sanitary misting tents shall be installed in the town market and at the Mariveles Mental Wellness and General Hospital to ensure disinfection of individuals entering and exiting the areas.

"We will hire allied medical professionals to increase the number of our frontline workers. We will also be distributing vitamin supplements to senior citizens and children to boost their immunity," she vowed.

"Rest assured that we, officials from the local government and the barangays, will continue to take actions and face the threats brought by the COVID-19 pandemic," Castaneda added.--Mar Jay S. Delas Alas/ PI A-3