BACOLOD CITY – Ten individuals, including at least three city officials, who joined Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on a recent trip to Osaka, Japan have tested positive for coronavirus virus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
On Nov. 7, Benitez confirmed that he had contracted the virus, after which the 20 city and barangay officials who traveled with him announced that they will undergo self-isolation.
Also tested positive were Lone District Representative Greg Gasataya as well as Councilors Simplicia Distrito and Jude Thaddeus Sayson.
"All those found positive were in good condition and mostly are asymptomatic, or with just very mild symptoms," former councilor Caesar Distrito, legal counsel of Team Asenso, who also joined the trip, said in a statement on Friday.
He added that all those who contracted the virus, including his mother, Simplicia, have all been in isolation since they were tested after their arrival on Nov. 7.
They have also been fully vaccinated, he said.
"Even those who were found negative opted for voluntary isolation. They will comply with the protocol of seven-day isolation, but will continue to work from home," Distrito said.
On Wednesday, the eight councilors, who were under isolation, virtually attended the regular session of the City Council.
Others who also went to Japan on Nov. 4 to 7 were Councilors Al Victor Espino, Vladimir Gonzales, Jason Villarosa, Claudio Jesus Puentevella, Celia Flor, and Psyche Marie Sy as well as 11 village officials.
Benitez had himself tested before meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. after he arrived in the country.
The mayor, who had been experiencing mild symptoms, has been working from home since Tuesday. (PNA)
