77 Cebu City Hall workers test positive for COVID-19, 4 dead

Seventy-seven front-line workers at Cebu City Hall have tested positive for COVID-19, with four succumbing to the virus.

Among the fatalities were city councilor Antonio Cuenco, a sanitary inspector, an engineer from the Department of Public Services, and a barangay health worker.

The Cebu City Health Department is verifying if the cause of death of OIC City Treasurer Arlene Rentuza was related to COVID-19.

Of the 77 infected workers, 12 are from the CCHD, 29 are from the city ambulance service, and 36 are barangay health workers.

Most of the infected workers were involved in swab testing, rapid testing, and contact tracing.

To mitigate further spread, Cebu City Hall has implemented strict quarantine protocols, including the provision of disinfectants, physical distancing, and personal protective equipment.

A work-from-home scheme is in place, and senior citizens or those with pre-existing conditions are excused from reporting to the office.

The city government will provide financial assistance for hospitalization and burial expenses through CHAMP, with aid increased to P50,000 per patient.

As of Tuesday, Cebu City has recorded a total of 5,141 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 2,259 active cases, 2,713 recoveries, and 169 deaths.