ROQUE POSITIVE FOR 2ND TIME, ISOLATED IN HOSPITAL

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Saturday said he again got infected with the coronavirus and this time was taken to a hospital for treatment.

“This is to say that COVID-19 is more transmissible now so we have to do extra precaution,” he said in a statement.

Roque asked for “sincerest prayers” for all those who have been afflicted with COVID-19 here and abroad.

“God bless and protect us all,” he said.

Roque did not disclose his symptoms or how he felt, but was apparently well enough to take part in Saturday’s online meeting with the other members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the temporary government body handling the pandemic.

He said the IATF discussed the next possible quarantine classification for Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, which are under enhanced community quarantine, the strictest lockdown measure.

First infection

More than a year into the pandemic, coronavirus infections are surging, particularly at the epicenter—the capital region—where many hospitals have reached their full capacity.

Roque first tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the severe respiratory disease, last month.

He announced on March 15 that he was going into isolation in a hotel. But only 10 days later, he said he tested negative for the virus.

Andanar, too

Another Malacañang official who had COVID-19, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, on Saturday said he had recovered.

Despite being given a clean bill of health, Andanar said he would remain in quarantine for another five days to ensure the safety of people he would be in contact with.

“With this, I call on those who have contracted the virus to remain strong-willed and to be hopeful of their recovery. And to trust that our Divine Creator will hear our prayers of healing and health,” he said.