BY CARLA P. GOMEZ
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and key members of his staff tested negative for COVID-19 last night, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
But four others, including a body guard and server, tested positive, he added.
The governor and his staff went on self-isolation starting Friday after a utility worker at his office tested positive for COVID-19.
Diaz said second tests will have to be conducted on nine employees who were swabbed yesterday for RT-PCR tests as the results appeared to be borderline.
They are still assessing whether it is safe for the Governor’s Office at the Capitol in Bacolod City to reopen today.
Among those who tested negative were the governor’s executive assistants Charina Magallanes-Tan, Marie June Pavillar, Francis Velez, and Roy Palagata.
Also listed as having tested negative were Mark John Sebua, Ritchenele Velez, Jewel Guinabon, Mariel Valerio, Jet Tionko, Lara Padernal, Kimberly Pescalar, Ross Anthony Majah, Aizabelle Rama, Regine Compra, Grace Tolosa, Lucienne Trimpe, Suzette Papio, Manuel De Oro, Ma Christina Gabaya, Reyson Papio, Johanah Alunan, Gunther Diaz, Ronuel Carmona, Jonjer Yap, Cheryl Untal, Evan Taladhay, Martin Castro, Anna Marie Lucasan, Salvador Gonzales, Mark Antony Sison, and Charlyn Matti.
Not all of them are assigned at the governor’s office.*
