BALANGA CITY — On Wednesday, there were only three confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Bataan with one already recovered. On Friday, the number grew to six.
Gov. Albert Garcia, chair of the provincial interagency task force on Covid–19, reported Saturday that as of 10 a.m. of Friday, three cases were added to the list.
This developed as the province was mourning the deathin a Pampanga hospital Friday of Balanga City Administrator Rudy de Mesa, 57.
The new patients are a 53-year-old male from Abucayworking in Rizal province; a 58-year-old male from Samal working in Manila; and a 44-year-old male from Mariveles.
The governor said that latest report of Dr. Rosanna Buccahan, provincial health officer, showed that there are 9,102 persons under monitoring, 666 cases of mild PUIs, and 69 moderate to severe PUIs.
Garcia said rigid tracing of persons the patients came in contact with was being undertaken with the assistance of barangay health emergency response team and the municipal health offices concerned.
Still in confinement are PH303, M-24 and M–55. PH64, M–32 was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
On the death of the Balanga City administrator, Angel Ruiz Ortiz Luis, provincial information officer, said it could not be confirmed yet if the cause of death was Covid–19 in the absence of laboratory test result. “And sabi may mga symptoms ng Covid pero wala pa ang result,” she said.
City hall has temporailry suspended the distribution of relief goods while in the process of contact tracing of the many people de Mesa came in contact with.
“You will never be forgotten,” said Hermosa Mayor Jopet Inton who was one of those who first announced the demise of the former provincial administrator.
Senator Richard Gordon, Philippine Red Cross chair, in a message said that what happened to de Mesa was a deep and painful loss. De Mesa was a member of the Red Cross family.
“The tragic circumstance in which this Covid–19 crisis has placed our country changes life permanently for so many,” the senator said.
Gov. Garcia said de Mesa succumbed to a respiratory illness in a short battle with Covid–19 -like symptoms Thursday. Results of the test, he said, have yet to be released.
“A passionate heart has stopped beating, yet a humane soul of a public servant ascended to heaven. You may have left us but your legacy of relentless public service will live on,” Garcia said.
If confirmed, de Mesa will be the first Covid–19 fatality in Bataan.
