Tacloban City—The City Government on Thursday confirmed that Mayor Alfred Romualdez has tested positive for coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The mayor is experiencing mild symptoms but is in stable condition, according to Acting City Health Officer Dr. Gloria Fabrigas.
Romualdez started experiencing the symptoms last December 2 and his swab test showed positive result on December 10.
In a statement, Fabrigas said Romualdez is in isolation while contact tracing is now underway.
“Pls keep mayor Alfred in your prayers,” said his wife, former mayor Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez.
“Praying. FYI I am negative I was in Tacloban 3 weeks ago, so I was not yet exposed. In manila now,” wrote the former actress on her Facebook account.
Meanwhile, Tacloban Vice Mayor Jerry Yaokasin urged the public to pray for the health and safety of the mayor.
“We pray for the Mayor’s swift recovery. Once again, it just goes to show that Covid-19 does not choose its victims,” Yaokasin told Manila Standard.
“The coronavirus is no respecter of persons. Let us not be complacent but continue to be careful and cautious especially during the Christmas season,” added Yaokasin.
Romualdez is the fourth local chief executive in Eastern Visayas reported to have been infected with Covid-19.
The other mayors were Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy; Palapag, Northern Samar Mayor Manuel Aoyang; and Giporlos, Eastern Samar Mayor Gilbert Go.
However, Aoyang died on November 6 following Covid-19 complications.
As of Thursday, Eastern Visayas recorded 9,185 total Covid-19 cases, with total recoveries at 8,663 (94.32%), total deaths at 100 (1.09%), and total active cases at 422 (4.59%).