The plenary hall of the House of Representatives. (File photo from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the House of Representatives has reached 54 after two more personnel were confirmed to have contracted the disease.
House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales said Wednesday the first case is from the Human Resources Management Service office who last reported for work on July 29.
The second case, Montales said, is from the House’s engineering department who last reported for work on August 17, and started showing symptoms on the same day.
The two cases are siblings and live in the same house, said Montales.
He earlier reminded employees to only physically report for work 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 official said.
Montales said appropriate penalties for violations of House’s health and safety protocols will be imposed.