TACLOBAN CITY - Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez confirmed Saturday (July 17) that he tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"I tested positive for COVID. It could be my exposure from multiple people because of work I do as mayor. But I will be okay. I will need a lot of rest and will have to be in isolation until I’m better." The mayor is reportedly experiencing mild cough and fever."Symptoms are mild and manageable and I will go back to work as soon as doctors will give the clearance. I ask everyone to continue to be vigilant and safe."
He is the ninth local chief executive in Eastern Visayas to have contracted the disease.A close ally of the mayor disclosed that one of his staff members also tested positive for the disease.
The city mayor's office has been on lockdown Friday.As of July 15, Ormoc has a total of 2,028 COVID-19 cases. Of these, 214 are active and 1,782 have recovered with 32 deaths.