AÑO TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19—AGAIN

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Sunday confirmed that he has contracted the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) again despite the public reminders he has issued to avoid infection.

The interior secretary said he might have gotten infected with COVID-19 during his rounds in Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan and Rizal—areas placed under modified enhanced community quarantine.

“On Aug. 13, I began experiencing flu-like symptoms including sore throat and body aches. I began my self-quarantine and got myself PCR (polymerase chain reaction or swab) tested on Aug. 14,” Año said in a statement on Sunday.

“Last night, Aug. 15, I received my test result informing me that I am once again positive for COVID-19,” he said.

Año last tested positive for COVID-19 in March but did not exhibit symptoms of the highly contagious respiratory disease and was cleared after undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

“In the meantime, I am being closely monitored by my doctors while I am in isolation,” he said, even as he called on persons with whom he had contact to undergo self-quarantine and observe if they have COVID-19 symptoms so they could seek treatment if needed.

He said he made his condition known “to emphasize the severity of the virus, and to encourage everyone to wear a mask, wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing.”