The Quezon City government and the House of Representatives (HRep) will work closely to control and manage the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the bigger chamber.

Mayor Joy Belmonte disclosed on Monday that Speaker Lord Allan Velasco committed to provide the City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) with a copy of the report on the COVID-19 cases at the HRep for contact tracing purposes.

Speaker Velasco has previously instructed the team in-charge to prepare a comprehensive report on the results of the mass COVID-19 testing conducted in Congress and submit it immediately to the city government.

Before Congress resumed session in November, Speaker Velasco initiated the COVID testing in the HREP. “ We wanted to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the Batasan Complex – House Members, employees, and even guests— while the legislative chamber carries out its constitutional duties in these critical times,” explained Velasco.

Mayor Belmonte thanked the Speaker for his initiative and his cooperation. “Nagpapasalamat tayo kay Speaker Velasco sa kanyang ginagawang mga hakbang na ating kailangan ukol sa kaso ng COVID-19 sa Kamara upang magamit natin sa contact tracing,” said Belmonte.

The city government earlier learned that the HRep registered 28 Covid-19 cases.

The City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU), headed by Dr. Rolly Cruz, immediately began contract tracing concerned Quezon City residents.

“Contact tracing is important so we can isolate possible carriers and to protect communities,” Belmonte added.

To assist HRep, the city government will dispatch its mobile testing UNIT that will administer PCR swab test to HRep employees.

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