Davao Occidental confirms first COVID-19 case, a woman from Malita

Davao Occidental has confirmed its first COVID-19 case through a 65-year-old woman from Malita town who died in Davao City.

The woman, who had pre-existing hypertension and heart problems, was admitted to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) on April 30 and passed away on May 5.

Governor Claude Bautista acknowledged that the virus has entered the province and is investigating the source of infection, suspecting it may have been contracted at SPMC.

A lockdown will be implemented in the barangay where the patient resided, and her entire household has been placed under strict quarantine.

Massive rapid testing will be conducted on residents of the affected barangay, and community quarantine measures will be heightened.

The provincial government will assist the patient's family and will subject returning residents to rapid testing and a mandatory 14-day quarantine.