Malungon, Sarangani Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino. (File photo courtesy of Malungon Information Office)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY--A returning Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) with travel history to Saudi Arabia and Metro Manila is Sarangani province’s ninth confirmed case for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The 30-year-old female patient, who hails from Malungon town, tested positive of the disease based on the result of the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Reaction (RT-PCR) test released on Sunday evening by the Department of Health (DOH) in Region 12.
Malungon Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino said Monday the overseas worker, who had worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, returned home via Davao City on June 19 through a “sweeper” flight from Manila.
Constantino said the OFW was directly brought to the municipal isolation facility upon arrival and subjected to proper health screening.
While under quarantine, the patient manifested suspected symptoms of Covid-19 but tested negative in rapid antibody test.
“She is in stable condition and closely monitored by our health personnel,” Constantino told reporters, adding that contact-tracing activities were ongoing for all persons who were possibly exposed to the Covid-19 patient, the first for the municipality.
Of the nine confirmed Covid-19 cases in Sarangani, two have already recovered while seven were still considered active as of Monday morning.
Dr. Arvin Alejandro, Sarangani health officer, said in a statement the seven patients remained under isolation but were all in stable condition.
Alejandro said the province was still considered free from local transmission of Covid-19 after the 39 individuals who were earlier feared exposed to a confirmed patient in Maasim town have all turned out negative.
He was referring to the 52-year-old female Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) from Sitio Bo. Site in Barangay Colon who was confirmed positive of the disease by the DOH-Region 12 on June 29.
He said Maasim Mayor Zyrex Pacquiao lifted on Sunday the enhanced community quarantine in Sitio Bo. Site and four other areas upon their recommendation. (PNA)
