Northern Mindanao has recorded three more patients who tested positive for 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Thursday (April 9).

One of the three Covid-19 patients is from Bukidnon province–a first in the area–who is “presently on home quarantine and his immediate community has been locked down,” according to Dr. Ricardo Reyes, the provincial health officer.

“Extensive contact tracing is underway to ensure that everyone who had close contact with the patient will also be isolated to prevent the further spread of the disease in the locality,” Reyes said in a Facebook post Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Adriano Suba-an, Department of Health-10 (DOH-10) regional director, said Bukidnon’s first Covid-19 patient is a resident of Valencia City.

Subaan said the patient has a history of visiting the derby in Matina, Davao City, on March 12. Several persons in Davao Region who attended the derby have been confirmed to have contracted the virus.

Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas said he has requested residents to stay home and directed the city police to be “more strict in the implementation of our policies”.

“Those who go out to go to the market to buy food are advised to wear face masks and observe social distancing,” Huervas said.

Bukidnon is currently under a general community quarantine.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jose Chan, medical director of the state-run of Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) here, said two more patients admitted in the said hospital were related to the previous patient who was already discharged.

Chan said the two Covid-19 patients are a 58-year-old father and his daughter, 16. They contracted the virus from Patient 598, who is the wife of the male patient.

Patient 598 arrived at Laguindingan Airport and was admitted at a private hospital here, and was later transferred to NMMC. She has now recovered and was already discharged on March 31 but remains under home quarantine.

In a press briefing Thursday, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno clarified that both patients are not residents of this city. The mayor also noted that both the patients are in stable condition.

Moreno said he was contemplating to require a “barangay quarantine exit” pass to immediately determine potential Covid-19 patients, as well as further restrict the movement of all residents. (PNA)