BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Another Negros mayor, Silay City Mayor Mark Golez, has joined the list of Love Negros members who tested positive for COVID-19.
Golez becomes the third local chief executive in Negros Occidental, with a span of less than a week, to be infected by the virus after attending a party fellowship of Love Negros officials on September 18 in Talisay City.
The two others were Kabankalan City Mayor Pedro Zayco and Talilsay City Mayor Neil Lizares, who are both members of political group Love Negros. Both are fully vaccinated.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, however, reported yesterday that Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, former Rep. Alfredo Benitez, EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Board Members Ryan Gamboa and Jeffrey Tubola tested negative of the coronavirus.
Golez, in his Facebook account, said there is nothing to worry, as he is only exhibiting mild symptoms and is fully vaccinated.
Golez called on Negrenses to be more extra careful whenever outdoors and to cooperate with the government’s mandate in addressing the pandemic. “We need to understand that it is vital to always exercise safety health protocols set by the Inter Agency Task Force Against COVID-19 and the Department of Health, so as to protect our family and loved ones from the spread of this virus, he added.
He also reiterated his call for unvaccinated Silaynons to coordinate with their respective barangay health workers in participating vaccination activities.
Silay City Administrator Jose Eduard Davila yesterday said that the City Mayor’s Office was temporarily closed effective yesterday until Sunday for disinfection purposes, while employees have been advised to work from home.
The results on the swab testing of Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez and Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Joseph Paduano, as well as several other local chief executives have yet to be released as of this time.
“As we work hand in hand, this COVID-19 pandemic will surely pass. We shall overcome this crisis once and for all. Let us heal together as we build a better community for everyone,” Golez said.*