BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental has reported two new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases in the province, bringing the total number of infected individuals to four.
The two male patients are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who got stranded in Cebu at the onset of COVID-19 pandemic and were repatriated to the province on April 14 via Escalante City.
The third patient is a 38-year-old OFW from the Netherlands, who arrived in the Philippines on March 24. He is a resident of Silay City.
The fourth patient is a 50-year-old OFW from Finland, who arrived in the country on March 17. He is residing in Candoni town.
Both patients are asymptomatic and on strict isolation. They are currently on quarantine at the Provincial Healing Center in E.B. Magalona town.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said that the second COVID-19 patient was tested negative in the rapid test conducted last Tuesday.
He, however, said that the 42-year-old patient was also subjected to another swab test which will be sent to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City. He said that the patient is asymptomatic but in stable condition.
The patient’s wife and child, who tested negative in previous swab tests, also underwent retesting.
At present, the province has recorded 19 suspected cases for COVID-19. (Glazyl Masculino)