Senators Gatchalian, Binay negative for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay tested negative for the coronavirus disease 2019  (COVID-19), Health Secretary Francisco Duque III announced Tuesday.

“Lumabas naman ang test results nila Senators Nancy at Gatchlian, negative,” Duque said in an interview on dzMM.

The health chief was discussing the case of Senator Migs Zubiri, who earlier announced that he tested positive for COVID-19.  

The three senators are undergoing self-quarantine and COVID-19 testing after exposure to an individual infected by the virus during a recent Senate committee hearing.

Duque said he will ask Zubiri to have a second test to confirm the initial positive result. 

“Meron ding kasi kahit papanong nakakalusot na false positive,” he explained. 

But in the meantime, Duque advised Zubiri, who is asymptomatic, to continue his self-quarantine and complete the proposed 14-day isolation.

The virus, which was first detected in Wuhan in China’s Hubei province,  causes mild symptoms such as fever and cough for most people but can also cause more serious illnesses such as pneumonia especially among older adults and those with existing health problems.

To prevent infection, authorities are urging the public to practice regular and proper hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoiding close contact with those who show respiratory difficulties.

The World Health Organization declared the disease a global pandemic after it killed nearly 5,000 people and infected over 160,000 worldwide.

GSG