MALOLOS, BULACAN – Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando announced that he has tested positive for coronavirus and has made the decision to self-quarantine at his Official Residence (OR) where he would continue to lead the provincial government, particularly its response to the pandemic. The Governor said his real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) result came back positive-asymptomatic on Friday (August 28).
The governor appeared to be in high spirits and said he has experienced no symptoms over the past 24 hours. Face-to-face interaction with the public will be temporarily suspended for the duration of the two-week isolation.
It is suspected that he may have been exposed to a board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ABC President Bokal Ramil Capistrano whom he had recently met at a couple of official functions, and later turned out positive for the virus.
“I took the initiative to have myself tested after the close contact with said local official. Let us be mindful that even world leaders and top government officials have been infected with the virus, as it spares no one and is a disrespecter of individuals, whoever they are. I therefore call on everyone to act responsibly and continue to observe health standards and protocols to save lives.” Governor Fernando said.
The Governor also immediately directed strict contact tracing to identify people he had come into close contact and called on those who are experiencing symptoms to reach out to the Provincial Health Office for the implementation of proper testing protocols.
He once again reminded everyone to continue to practice minimum health protocols including wearing of face masks and face shields, maintaining one-meter distance, frequent hand washing, and staying at home as much as possible because these little things can do so much to avoid contracting the virus. Fernando assured the Bulakenyos that the full operation of the Provincial Government of Bulacan and delivery of basic services to the people will be unhampered as he leads from the Official residence making full use of the tools of technology with minimal face-to-face interaction, and observance of strict health protocols.
It was learned that all of Fernando’s close-in security including his executive secretary were placed under self quarantine and will undergo swab testing.
As of Friday, Bulacan has registered a total of 2,670 covid cases with 1,247 active cases and 1,354 recoveries with 69 deaths.