DAVAO CITY -- Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte Mayor Ernesto Evangelista confirmed on Thursday that he tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Santo Tomas Municipal Information Officer Mart Sambalud said Evangelista is the first mayor in Davao del Norte to get infected with COVID-19 following his exposure to a COVID-19 positive individual last October 14.
He said the Davao Regional Medical Center in Tagum City confirmed the positive test result on the mayor on Thursday afternoon.
"He (Evangelista) is symptomatic and his case was classified by doctors as a “mild case” since his vital signs remain normal as of this posting," Sambalud said.
The local chief executive is now on strict isolation and asked those who had physical contact with him since October 14 to go on self-quarantine at home and subject themselves to RT-PCR Test.
Evangelista added that he has already coordinated with the Municipal Health Office (MHO) for the contact tracing and other necessary protocols regarding his case.
Sambalud said despite being in isolation, Evangelista will continue to work by virtually presiding and attending meetings, and to make the necessary decisions in order to keep the Santo Tomas town fully operational amid the COVID-19 pandemic.