Batanes records first confirmed case of COVID-19

The province of Batanes recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 on Monday.

In a Facebook post, the provincial government said that a locally stranded individual (LSI) who arrived on September 22 via a Philippine Air Force flight tested positive for the dreaded virus on September 28.

“The patient is currently with no symptoms, however for precautionary measures, 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,” it said.

Batanes remained COVID-19 free ever since the virus was first detected in the country in January.

The provincial government urged the public to observe minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and face shields as well as maintaining physical distancing and proper hygiene.

As of yesterday, the country has a total of 307,288 COVID-19 cases, with 252,665 recoveries and 5,381 deaths.

(Photo by Victor Martin/The Philippine STAR)