QC to launch contact tracing after mayor tests positive

Belmonte, who attended the executive committee meeting via online, will work from home and will be on top of the situation. (File photo: Mayor Joy Belmonte/Facebook)

MANILA – The Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (QCESU) will track those who had direct contact with Mayor Joy Belmonte and two other employees who tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“We are currently doing contact tracing on all those who had direct contact with the Mayor in the last few days,” QCESU head Dr. Rolly Cruz said in a press release Wednesday.

Cruz added that employees who had contact with Belmonte and the two other employees will undergo swab testing, especially those in the third and 14th floors of the City Hall.

“Other people who had direct contact with the Mayor and the two other employees, including visitors, will also undergo swab testing,” Cruz said.

“Employees who will be tested need to undergo home quarantine until results are released as part of protocol,” said Cruz, adding that results will be out in three days.

The areas of the city hall will be disinfected but operation will remain normal as not all employees came in direct contact with the mayor in the past few days.

Belmonte, who attended the executive committee meeting via online, will work from home and will be on top of the situation.

The city legal department also assured everyone that Belmonte will continue to discharge her duties and functions as mayor even under quarantine through various alternative work arrangements by the national government.

“The Honorable Mayor exhibits none of the symptoms of Covid-19 and remains fully able and committed to serving the city and its constituents,” city lawyer Nino Casimiro said. “The Honorable Mayor shall continue to lead and serve the city through these difficult times. As always, the city and the Honorable Mayor reminds everyone to stay safe and healthy.” (PR)