Batangas Vice Gov. Leviste positive for coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines — Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“Nais kong ipaalam sa inyo na lumabas ngayong August 1 ang resulta ng swab ko na isinagawa noong July 28, at nag positive ang test ko,” Leviste wrote in his caption on Saturday.

(I want to let you know that my swab result that was done last July 28 and was released August 1 showed that I’m positive.)

https://www.facebook.com/Leviste.Marc/videos/10214173261363838/

Leviste said he has had no symptoms for COVID-19 despite testing positive for the new virus.

“Mula noon hanggang ngayon, wala akong nararamdaman na sintomas ng COVID-19 o anumang sakit. At this juncture, my earnest request is for your prayers,” he said.

(In the past and until now, I have not experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 or any disease. At this juncture, my earnest request is for your prayers.)

For “the sake of accountability,” Leviste said he had himself tested after two of his house helpers showed symptoms of COVID-19. He said his helpers also underwent swab testing.

“Last July 28, or four days ago, one of my two household helpers informed that she was experiencing a headache and cough while my other helper said she had mild colds,” he said in a recorded video.

“Then and there, I decided to call the provincial health office and I was advised to submit them for swabbing immediately,” he added.

Leviste said his house helpers tested negative for the virus.

But as per provincial health office (PHO), Leviste said his house helpers will undergo “re-swabbing” to ensure their health condition.

“Sa awa ng Diyos, negative ang resulta ng dalawang kasambahay namin. Subalit ayon sa PHO, isasailalim sila sa reswabbing upang tiyakin ang kanilang kalagayan o estado,” he said.

(Thank God, results of my house helpers were negative. But PHO said they will undergo swabbing again to ensure the state of their health.)