Abra, Pangasinan town mayors catch COVID-19

The mayor and vice mayor of Bangued town in Abra and the mayor of Umingan in Pangasinan have tested positive for COVID-19.

Abra Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Valera-Bernos said yesterday her parents – Bangued Mayor Dominic Valera and Vice Mayor Mila Acosta-Valera – were found infected on Thursday.

Bernos said her parents have been vaccinated against COVID and have mild symptoms.

The governor appealed to those who were exposed to the mayor and vice mayor to inform the rural health unit to speed up contact tracing efforts.

She appealed anew to her constituents to observe health protocols and stay at home if there are no important reasons for them to go out.

Senior citizens should have themselves vaccinated against COVID, Bernos said.

In Pangasinan, the municipal government of Umingan announced on Facebook that Mayor Michael Carleone Cruz contracted the virus.

The local government unit appealed for prayers for Cruz’s early recovery and to intensify observance of minimum health protocols.

Pangasinan logged 2,397 active cases on Thursday after 241 new infections were recorded. – Eva Visperas