The Municipal Hall of Sibunag in Guimaras has been temporarily shut down after Mayor Annabelle Samaniego tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Samaniego said she underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing after experiencing flu-like symptoms.

The mayor is currently under home quarantine.

The Rural Health Unit (RHU) immediately conducted contact tracing and testing. Several municipal hall employees were found to have contracted the viral disease.

“We urged the public to continue observing the health protocols – wearing of facemask and face shield, social distancing and proper hand washing / disinfection. We want to lessen the cases here in our town,” Samaniego said in a statement.

The Municipal Hall will resume operation tomorrow, Sept. 23, after it closed for six days for disinfection.

Sibunag, as of Tuesday, Sept. 21, has 69 active COVID-19 cases.IMT