76 infections linked to Quezon City councilor’s aid distribution

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has confirmed over 70 cases of COVID-19 in one barangay due to the recent aid distribution organized by the office of Councilor Franz Pumaren.

As of yesterday, city epidemiology and surveillance unit head Rolly Cruz said 76 out of the 792 swab tests that they conducted among those who attended the aid distribution in Barangay Matandang Balara were positive for COVID-19.

One result was inconclusive while another is still pending.

At least five areas in the barangay have been placed on lockdown due to the clustering of cases related to the aid distribution.

These include Lagoon street with 12 confirmed cases in 10 families, Ipil Interior with 14 confirmed cases in 14 families, and three separate clusters in Pook Dela Paz with a total of 12 cases in 12 families.

The two-week lockdown in the five areas will affect 332 families comprising over 1,100 individuals.

More areas may be placed on lockdown if the clustering of cases is confirmed.

Based on the city’s guidelines, all individuals in areas placed under special concern lockdown will undergo testing for the viral illness. No one will be allowed to leave their homes, with the city government providing basic necessities such as food and other supplies.

Mayor Joy Belmonte earlier issued a show cause order to Pumaren amid reports that health protocols were violated in the aid distribution that his office conducted on May 25, which was attended by around 6,000 people.

But the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) later absolved Pumaren, saying the councilor made the proper coordination with concerned government agencies and the barangay about the event.

Around 97 people, including 11 policemen and 50 staff members from the office of Pumaren, manned the area to ensure that proper safety health protocols were followed, the QCPD said in its report.

Pumaren earlier explained that the reported overcrowding seen in a video happened when it rained during the distribution. He maintained that they follow health protocols when conducting aid distribution to help those affected by the pandemic.

Belmonte, meanwhile, directed organizers to notify the city government five days before gatherings for community service or humanitarian purposes to prevent these from becoming super spreader events.

The directive includes activities such as medical missions, mass weddings and distribution of food and cash assistance.