51 get COVID-19 after pool party

MANILA, Philippines — A “super spreader” event in Quezon City has prompted the city government to test at least 600 residents, with 51 turning out to be positive for COVID-19, Mayor Joy Belmonte said yesterday.

Belmonte said an improvised pool party and drinking binge in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon was reported to authorities.

The city epidemiology and disease surveillance unit said a total of 610 residents have been swabbed, with at least 51 residents infected with the virus. About 31 have been admitted to the city’s quarantine facilities while 18 residents were still awaiting swab test results.

Belmonte said the community has been placed under lockdown since May 14.

“Anyone proven to have been violating our guidelines and ordinance, especially those swarming, drinking and partying with karaoke machines will be issued ordinance violation receipts and may be charged under Republic Act 11332,” she said, referring to the law on the mandatory reporting of notifiable disease and health events of public health concern.

The city’s legal department has been ordered to investigate if barangay officials committed lapses in the performance of their duties.

Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon chairman Feliciano de la Cruz has been issued a show-cause order.

“We will investigate local officials for possible administrative neglect of duty or misconduct,” city legal officer Orlando Paolo Casimiro said.

Belmonte urged residents to report similar violations of quarantine protocols to the city government.

“We encourage the public to take photos and videos whenever possible, and report to us by calling hotline 122. We assure them that we will take swift action as this is a matter of protecting the health and safety of the whole city,” she said.