By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – A female employee of the city government here is the latest to succumb to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.
In a statement issued Friday morning, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he condoles with the family of the 48-year-old employee who passed away 12:12 am on Aug 6, 2020 due to pneumonia.
She tested positive for COVID-19 based on her RT-PCR test results taken last July 30, which was released today, hours after she expired, the mayor said.
“She was also cremated Friday in compliance with health protocols on COVID-related deaths. Those who have come in close contact with her have also been swabbed, he added.”
Leonardia said the employee informed her officemates before that she was asthmatic and had an enlarged heart.
Data from city Public Information Office (PIO) indicated that the victim initially experienced occasional cough and consulted a private doctor on July 27 and went on home quarantine/isolation.
She was swabbed on July 30 with other personnel in her department because of possible exposure to a co-employee who became COVID-positive, the PIO said.
Thereafter, she resumed her home quarantine.
But on Aug 1, she started experiencing breathing difficulty and was brought to a hospital the following day where she remained until her death.
“It is sad to lose her. She was a valuable member of the team at her office and we truly appreciate her service at the city government. May she rest in peace and may the family she left behind be comforted by our prayers,” Leonardia said.
“Let us not take our health protocols for granted. We should look at ourselves and each other as possible COVID-positives and take precautions accordingly. In the final analysis, protecting ourselves against COVID-19 is a personal battle. While government should lead the way, it is personal responsibility that will truly make the difference in our survival,” he said.
“Let us continue to pray for one another’s protection, and for a successful anti-COVID fight that should be everyone’s duty.”
