MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has tested negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) just a week after testing positive for it, the Quezon City Legal Department said on Friday.
“Yes, she is just complying with health protocols on quarantine but she has already tested negative twice earlier this week,” Orlando Casimiro, chief of Quezon City Legal Department, confirmed in a text message when asked for updates on Belmonte’s health.
In a separate statement, Belmonte said she could not yet be considered recovered as she has yet to finish the 14-day quarantine as ordered by the Department of Health (DOH).
“My 14-day quarantine is not yet finished so I am not considered recovered until such time as I am fully compliant with the DOH protocols and cleared by a health professional,” she said.
Casimiro also clarified that the DOH has yet to confirm if Belmonte has recovered from the disease.
Last July 8, Belmonte announced that she tested positive for the novel coronavirus, the virus that causes COVID-19.