By RUFFIE CRUZ | Castillejos, Zambales

The first death in Zambales due to infection of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) was confirmed here today, March 29, by Castillejos town mayor Eleanor D. Dominguez.

The casualty, identified as a 90-year-old Filipino male, died at the ACE Medical Center (Baypointe Hospital) in the Subic Bay Freeport while waiting for his swab test results.

But Dominguez, who also heads the Covid-19 Municipal Task Force here, said the victim has no recent travel history in any place with confirmed Covid-19 cases, thus raising the possibility of local exposure.

On March 20, he was brought to the Baypointe Hospital after showing symptoms like fever, colds, cough, and difficulty breathing. He was tested for possible Covid-19 infection on March 21, but died on March 27.

“The remains were immediately sent to the Olongapo Crematorium,” Dominguez said in a statement sent to the media today. “He was cremated yesterday (March 28),” she added.

The town executive also said the Zambales Provincial Health Office (PHO) confirmed Sunday noon that the test results of the Castillejos casualty came out positive.

“We are now conducting intensive contact-tracing. The local government unit will also conduct disinfection all over Castillejos,” Dominguez stressed.

She said the victim’s house, including the surrounding area, is now under “total lockdown.”

As of this writing, the town has 21 persons under investigation (PUIs) and 254 persons under monitoring (PUMs), LGU records showed.

“We urge the public to stay vigilant and please cooperate with the government for everyone’s safety,” Dominguez appealed.

While this was the first Covid-19 casualty in the province, it was already the third confirmed case of infection.

The first Covid-19 case in Zambales was announced by PHO chief Dr. Noel Bueno on March 26—a 73-year-old retired U.S. Navy with travel history from Cavite to Manila. He was first placed under strict home quarantine, but was eventually transferred to a healthcare facility for isolation.

The following day, Bueno announced the second case—a 70-year-old female ‘balikbayan’ from the U.S., who was admitted at Baypointe Hospital. She has been scheduled for repeat testing on April 5.

As an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the province was noted, Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.  again appealed to residents for their cooperation.

“We encourage everyone to abide by the (guidelines of) enhanced community quarantine,” Ebdane said. “Stay at home, follow social distancing, and maintain personal hygiene to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.”