Lawmaker, 2 House employees contract COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker and two other employees at the House of Representatives have been infected with the coronavirus disease, raising the total number of cases to 22.

House Secretary General Lawyer Jose Luis Montales announced on Saturday that Sulu 1st District Rep. Samier Tan tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“He (Tan) last went to HRep on May 18. He is asymptomatic and under home quarantine in Sulu,” Montales said in a statement.

A consultant of a House member and a Committee Publication Staff Writer also contracted the respiratory disease, Montales said.

The infected consultant visited the House of Representatives on July 14 and July 15, Montales said.

“She got tested after developing fever. She is now asymptomatic and under home isolation,” the House official said.

Meanwhile, the writer is now under home quarantine. She last reported for work last July 8 while alone inside her office, Montales noted.

CFC