TACLOBAN CITY- The mayor of Tanauan town here in Leyte is the latest elected official to acquire the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Mayor Pelagio Tecson, Jr. confirmed that he was tested positive of the virus as he designated his vice mayor, Ronald Flores, to temporarily discharge the functions of the office while he is in isolation.
Tecson,53 and now serving on his last term as mayor, disclosed of his current health situation through a post at the Facebook account of the municipal government on Tuesday (Jan.26).
“My dear Tanauanons, I would like you to know that I have been tested positive for COVID-19. I have manifested symptoms over the past few days. All close contacts have been identified already and will undergo testing by today (Tuesday),” he said.
The town mayor, however, did not say how he possibly acquired the virus except to say that everyone could get it.
“Upon reflection, this only shows that this pandemic is still around us. There will always be occasions where it can hit us,” he said.
Tecson said that it is now more than ever that the residents should be mindful against the virus by strictly following all the health protocols especially that the new variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed to exist in the country.
“I appeal that you heed this call,” he said.
Tecson’s media affairs consultant, Roy Moraleta, said that Tanauan is the first local government unit in Leyte to come up measures like setting up quarantine facilities and providing food aids during the quarantine period, and livelihood assistance to the people.
Tecson is the sixth mayor in the region to have acquired COVID-19.
One of them, Manuel Aoyang of Palapag town in Northern Samar, died on Nov.6 last year.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA/JOEY A. GABIETA)
