Batanes has recorded its first case of COVID-19—a locally stranded individual (LSI) who arrived there on September 22, according to the provincial government on Tuesday.
In a post on Facebook, the provincial information desk of Batanes said the patient, who is asymptomatic, arrived via the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
“We regret to inform the public that one Locally Stranded Individual who arrived last September 22 via Philippine Air Force has tested POSITIVE of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) yesterday, September 28, 2020,” said the Batanes government.
“This is the first confirmed COVID case of the Province,” it said.
The Batanes government said the patient was currently with no symptoms. But for precautionary measure, the patient is under strict isolation at the Batanes Resort and being strictly observed and managed.
All identified “closed contacts” and other LSIs under quarantine are being strictly monitored by the Provincial COVID-19 Task Group.
“In the meantime, we remind everyone to continuously observe minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields, observe physical distancing and practice proper hygiene,” said the Batanes government.
On the other hand, the Department of Health said on Tuesday this case had not been officially reported to the DOH.
“Case has not been officially reported to DOH yet (as of 29 September 2020 database), but we have coordinated with the appropriate CHCD for relevant info,” said the DOH, in reaction to the Batanes government’s post on Facebook.
“With Batanes recording a confirmed case, this means that all provinces have/have had COVID-19 cases already,” said the DOH.
Currently, all provinces have reported at least one new case in the past 28 days, the DOH said.