COVID-19 hits 17 of Gordon’s Senate staffers

MANILA, Philippines — Seven more staff members of Sen. Richard Gordon tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), bringing the total number of cases among his staffers to 17, his office said Tuesday.

During Tuesday’s plenary session at the Senate, Gordon said the 17 staff members were put under quarantine in different facilities while some checked into hotels to self-isolate.

“I was exposed and I was really terrified because my wife, you know, Kate is really immunocompromised. I had practically 17 people staff and security, all are in quarantine right now, in QI [Quezon Institute] and in some hotels,” said Gordon, who also serves as chairman of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).

Gordon and his wife recently placed themselves under self-quarantine after 10 of his “immediate staff” contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

According to the senator’s office, 45 other PRC staff members also tested positive for the virus.

“Even some people in the Red Cross. We’ve had 62 people affected, mostly med techs. So this is a disease that we have to really really respect. Don’t take any chances, stay home,” Gordon went on.

“And I’m glad we are able to do this here in the Senate,” he added, referring to the conduct of teleconferencing during sessions and hearings in the upper chamber amid threats of the virus. “It’s a very unique way and I think it also lessens the burden on us especially our families and especially to those we come across with.”

Prior to this, a total of 20 Senate employees were earlier found to be positive of the virus.

To date, Philippines health officials have confirmed 83,673 COVID-19 cases in the country. Of the number, 26,617 have already recovered while 1,947 have died.

/atm