MANILA, Philippines — Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the House of Representatives have now reached 49 after two more employees tested positive for the virus, Secretary General Jose Luis Montales reported Thursday.
Montales said the first new case involves a congressional staff who last reported for work on June 16 while the second case is from the lower chamber’s Plenary Support Service who last reported for work on August 5.
Both employees are asymptomatic and under home quarantine, said Montales.
Montales earlier reminded employees to only physically report for work only when physical presence is necessary.
“Do NOT physically report for work when experiencing or have experienced any of the COVID-19 symptoms within the last 14 days. When in doubt, assume the COVID 19-like symptom to be COVID-19,” the House Secretary General said.
Montales said appropriate penalties for violations of House’s health and safety protocols will be imposed.
As of August 20, there are 178,022 COVID-19 cases in the country, with recoveries at 114,114 and death toll at 2,883.