The City Government of San Fernando, through the City COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force, executed all necessary measures to contain the City’s first COVID-19 casualty.

The City Health Office (CHO) completed contact tracing to identify and locate direct contacts of the said patient from Brgy. San Agustin.

All six (6) contacts have undergone required swab testing procedures on July 15, 2020. On the same day, the City Engineering Office accomplished misting procedures in Purok 2A, Barangay San Agustin to disinfect households and nearby areas.

Under the City’s Expanded Testing, CHO also tested the members of the barangay health emergency response team and officials of Brgy. San Agustin.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office and General Services Office distributed a total of 172 food relief packs to affected households and frontliners. Lasting for 3-5 days, each pack contains 10 kilograms of rice, 21 canned goods and a pack of body soap.

To secure the entrance and exit points of the identified critical zone, barangay peacekeeping and safety officers implement heightened surveillance and strict monitoring of the residents. This would be of great help to prevent the spread of the virus to nearby areas and keep other parts of the community safe.

Meanwhile, Dr. Eduardo Badua, Medical Center Chief of Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) assured that the hospital’s immediate response strictly followed standard protocols. Their response team isolated all medical staff and personnel with probable exposure to the patient in the hospital’s quarantine facility. They will be tested three (3) times during the course of their 14-day quarantine.

Moreover, ITRMC’s facilities were disinfected using chlorine based solution and ultraviolet radiation. Dr. Badua further guaranteed uninterrupted and safe hospital operation and services amidst the case.

The City Government continues to appeal to the public to remain vigilant and follow prescribed health measures. Through shared responsive actions and support of the people of San Fernando, the City Government is determined to win the fight against this pandemic.

(Story by: Jeddahn Rosario)

(Photos by: Shairalene Guerrero, Adrian Sebastian, & Engr. Eduardo Villagracia)