Catbalogan City mayor tests positive for COVID-19

Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy, one of the youngest local chief executives in Eastern Visayas at 27, announced he tested positive for COVID-19.

He is among 53 new cases in the city, which include 36 health care workers from Samar Provincial Hospital and 17 close contacts.

Mayor Uy experienced symptoms such as fever, tiredness, cold, cough, and loss of taste and smell, prompting his swab test.

He is the first local chief executive in the region to be infected with the virus.

Uy appealed to the public to stay home, wear face masks and face shields, practice physical distancing, and wash their hands to prevent the spread of the virus.

Following the surge in cases, Catbalogan City was placed under lockdown starting Friday, August 21, and the city now has 152 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 68 health care workers.