THE COVID19 virus swept through the Gentlehands Orphanage in Quezon City, where 122 individuals, including 99 minors, tested positive, the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit said on Thursday.

CESU Chief Dr. Rolando Cruz said an asymptomatic adult allegedly visited the orphanage and spread the virus.

“Kailangang mapanatili ng mga ganitong closed long-term care facilities ang mahigpit na protocols dahil kahit isang kaso lang ang makapasok sa kanila ay madaling mahahawa ang lahat,” Cruz said.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte stressed the need to adhere to health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Mariin nating ipinapaalala na ang hindi pagsunod o hindi pagpapatupad ng minimum public health protocols ay paglabag sa RA 11332,” Belmonte said.

“Dapat maging mahigpit ang ating persons in authority sa pagpapatupad nito para maiwasan natin ang pagkalat ng virus,” she added.

The mayor instructed CESU to closely monitor the health of those in the orphanage and to check as well the situation in other facilities such as nursing homes.

“Patuloy nating palalawigin ang ating swab testing at contact tracing program para maabot ang mga gaya nitong high-risk closed facilities,” she said.