BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Another Negros Occidental local chief executive has tested positive for COVID-19.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. yesterday confirmed that he joined the list of Cadiznons infected by the virus.
Despite all precautions and strict observance of all safety and health protocols at the office and during official business, I was infected by the virus, Escalante said.
It goes without saying that the risk comes with the job description and I am oftentimes required to have face-to-face meetings with people in the interest of public service and good governance, he added.
The public announcement of Escalante that he was infected by the virus comes after Silay City Mayor Mark Golez completed yesterday the required 14-day isolation in a private hospital in Bacolod City, after being tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago.
Escalante said he is making the public announcement not to cause or stir any alarm, but to give assurance that he has with him the Cadiznon spirit.
Being fully vaccinated, Escalante said “I will prevail over this disease and I am presently recovering well by God’s mercy and grace.”
As of October 6, Cadiz City has logged 143 active cases.
Escalante strongly advised every Cadiznon to continuously cooperate with government authorities and observe the minimum public health standards.
Do not grow weary of these protocols as they are designed to protect you and our community. COVID-19 vaccines are also being administered in our vaccination sites, he said.
Thus, I am urging everyone to get vaccinated in order to protect yourselves and your loved ones. Escalante further stressed.
Upon his release from the hospital, Golez, on the other hand, said that he will campaign very hard to those unvaccinated Silaynons. “I will tap, encourage and meet with all barangay officials, that they will empower all barangay health workers, to coordinate with the City Health Office for their vaccination.”
He noted that many volunteered to be vaccinated with Pfizer, rather than Sinovac.
I think what is lacking, is to educate the people that they should not select the brand of vaccines, Golez said.*
