OFFICIAL STATEMENT

The Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force regrets to inform the public that there are nine (9) active COVID-19 cases out of forty (40) persons tested on October 3 and October 5, 2020, through the Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) and the Provincial Health Office expanded COVID-19 testing.

Fifteen (15) persons have undergone RT-PCR Test, which was conducted on October 3, were considered high risk close contacts of the deceased COVID-19 patient and only one (1) person was found positive of COVID-19. The patient is asymptomatic.

The next twenty-five (25) persons who were also considered high risk close contacts have undergone an RT-PCR Test that was conducted on October 5, wherein eight (8) persons were found positive of the virus. All patients are asymptomatic.

There is a strong possibility that they were all exposed to the deceased COVID-19 positive patient as per initial investigation and contact tracing by the Joint MHO-DOH-HRH contact tracing team. From the time of known exposure to the COVID-19 patient, all known close contacts have been in strict home isolation and will continue their quarantine at the Emergency Isolation Facility and will be closely monitored by the MHO personnel.

The Municipal Hall, the Municipal Health Office and Birthing Facility and other government facilities will be closed from on October 8, Thursday and 9 Friday, for massive disinfection and to give way to a more expansive contact tracing.

We would like to apologize for the inconvenience, however, we prioritize the health and safety of the general public. We strongly advice the wearing of face mask and face shield, avoid mass gatherings, maintain safe physical distancing and to avoid going out of your residences whenever possible.

MUNICIPAL INTER-AGENCY TASK FORCE

Balungao, Pangasinan