ILIGAN CITY – Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal A. Adiong, Jr. on Monday revealed that he tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), having been exposed to an infected individual.
In a statement, Adiong said he also ordered the shutdown of the capitol building for general disinfection.
After learning that the person whom he had close contact with tested positive for Covid-19, Adiong said he immediately placed himself under the care of medical workers at the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City and underwent a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.
“It is with regret to inform the public that last night (September 13), at around 10 o’clock in the evening, I tested positive for the said virus in spite of strict adherence to minimum health standards. I have decided to immediately admit myself to the same medical facility for further treatment and isolation,” the governor said.
“At present, I am manifesting mild symptoms but I am generally well and in high spirits. As a precaution, those who came in close contact with me these past few days, kindly subject yourselves to the mandatory 14-day quarantine. As public servants, we are duty-bound to engage the public and assure them of our quality service,” he added.
The Provincial Health Office and the local Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) said the capitol grounds will undergo disinfection from Sept. 14 to 18 and that capitol employees have been ordered to work from their homes.
Adiong assured that the provincial government has complied with the health protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH), the BARMM Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Ministry of Health, and the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the virus.
“These include the wearing of face mask, face shield, frequent handwashing, social distancing, and the constant use of alcohol and sanitizers. However, despite complying with all the preventive measures, there is still a slim chance of contracting the virus as we continue to pursue the mandate of our office,” he said.
Lanao del Sur residents, he said, should take heed and that his own diagnosis meant that “the threat of the virus is real and it does not discriminate”.
Adiong urged residents to continue complying with the minimum health standards imposed under the province’s modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) guidelines, including the “no movement Sunday” rule.
“Rest assured, even in isolation, I am closely monitoring the day-to-day operations of the province to ensure that there will be continuity in the delivery of basic services. To my fellow Meranaos, please bear in mind that the threat of this virus is real. We must follow our healthcare workers, cooperate with them, and be mindful of our actions as it is in our collective interest that we pursue these stringent measures and protocols. Inshaa Allah, we will overcome this pandemic,” he said.
As of Saturday (Sept. 12), the Provincial Health Office said Lanao del Sur had a total of 413 Covid-19 cases, 65 of which are active.-PNA
