Senator Cayetano staffer contracts COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — A staff member of the office of Senator Pia Cayetano has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),  Senate Secretary Atty. Myra Villarica said.

In a statement on Thursday, Villarica said Cayetano’s staff member has no recent travel history.

“Her infection was traced to a person close to her family,” Villarica noted.

Villarica said the patient reported for work on the last session day on March 11 but did not enter the Session Hall.

Congress is currently on break and will resume session on May 4

“She did not manifest any of the symptoms of COVID-19 then. It was only after March 11 that she exhibited mild symptoms,” Villarica said.

The patient and the staff members of Cayetano’s office who had direct contact with her were not required to report for work on March 23 when Senate convened in a special session to deliberate on the now signed “Bayanihan To Heal As One Act.”

The law grants President Rodrigo Duterte special powers to contain the spread of COVID-19.

“Rest assured that all measures are being undertaken by the Senate and the Office of Senator Cayetano to address the needs of the patient,” Villarica said.

The Senate’s medical team has already been informed and instructed to start contact tracing, impose quarantine measures and give assistance in the testing of our employees as needed, she added.

“Once again, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III enjoins all employees to follow the national and local government guidelines on the enhanced community quarantine, including social distancing should any of the symptoms present itself for proper evaluation by health professionals,” Villarica said.

“We need to rise above this extraordinary situation. Be more patient, calm, prayerful, and informed,” she added.

/MUF