The provincial government of Leyte confirmed two individuals who have returned to the province last week tested positive for COVID-19.
The said individuals are part of the first batch of beneficiaries of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program (BP2). They rode the same bus going to Tanauan and Baybay, Leyte. Authorities are now conducting contact tracing.
“Ito sila ay nasa isolation ‘yan ever since dumating sila… Kaya nga ang polisiya natin pagdating dito, isa-swab talaga namin pagdating dito (They have been isolated since they arrived. Our policy is to swab them upon arrival),” Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said.
National Housing Authority (NHA) General Manager and BP2 Executive Director Marcelino Escalada said the first batch of those who returned to their provinces have submitted the minimum health requirement including medical and quarantine certificates.
Escalda pointed out the detection of those positive with COVID-19 is a result of the firm coordination with local governments.
“We have chosen the provincial government of Leyte to be the pilot rollout because we believe in the capacities of the LGU,” he said.
He also assured only local governments with the capacity to test, isolate, and treat are selected for the BP2 to accept returnees.
Meanwhile, Escalda said the BP2 Council decided to “withhold the rollout” of the program to give way to OFWs, students, and tourists.
