A resident, displaced in Gabawan evacuation center in the Municipality of Daraga, Albay, has tested positive for COVID-19, according to Albay Provincial Information Office (PIO) on Monday.
In a news release, Albay PIO said Department of Health (DOH) - Bicol Regional Director Ernie Vera confirmed that the evacuee showed common COVID symptoms like fever, cough, and common colds since June 14.
The said evacuee has been isolated and is now staying at an infirmary for medication.
The 30 individuals, who were in close contact with the evacuee, were immediately quarantined and swabbed.
"Daraga Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edna Tan has revealed that the congestion experienced in evacuation centers is one of the major factors of a possible influx of COVID-19-positive evacuees," the Albay PIO said.
Meanwhile, interviewed by DZRH correspondent Ruel Saldico, a Daraga resident said relief assistance in Gabawan evacuation center eased after the news about COVID-19 detection spread.
"Wala na dito napuntang tulong. Wala nang mga ayuda na dumarating dahil doon sa balita na may COVID dito," a resident said.
But she said that the 83-year-old evacuee, who tested positive for COVID-19, has already had asthma illness before.
The Daraga resident then appealed for continued relief assistance.
"Sa mga gusto pong tumulong dito sa mga evacuees ng Gabawan, Brgy. Matnog, huwag po kayong matakot na tumulong dito dahil wala namang COVID-19 na sinasabi. Matanda na siya, naka-isolate na. Hindi naman talaga actually COVID kasi Asthma lang daw iyon," the resident said.
DOH Bicol patuloy ang contact tracing sa mga nakahalubilo ng 82-anyos na babaeng nagpositibo sa COVID sa Brgy. Gabawan, Daraga, Albay | via RH18 @saldico
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) June 19, 2023
REPORT: https://t.co/oC8Jq5PZPQ pic.twitter.com/Ek7Skqd6hf
