MANILA, Philippines — Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza disclosed Wednesday he had tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“Sadly, I share the news that I was diagnosed as COVID-19 positive yesterday, August 25. I am not hospitalised and look forward to being discharged upon clearance by my doctors,” Daza said in a statement.
According to the lawmaker, he returned home to Catarman from Manila on August 8 to monitor the situation in his area. But before leaving for Catarman, Daza said he had a swab test that showed he was negative for COVID-19.
JUST IN: Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza tests positive for COVID-19.
Daza: Sadly, I share the news that I was diagnosed as COVID-19 positive yesterday, August 25. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/12Iuyg2fWr
— Neil Arwin Mercado (@NAMercadoINQ) August 26, 2020
Daza said he then went around the towns in his district and met some local officials, community leaders, and his constituents.
It was on the evening of August 16 that Daza said he began to “feel unwell.”
“Mindful of the need to observe and isolate myself, I continued to work from our house in Daganas and did not go outside anymore. I also took medications prescribed by our local doctors,” Daza said.
“Because I continued to feel sick, I travelled back to Manila on August 24 on the advice of the doctors. I went straight to the hospital for examination and tests,” the lawmaker added.
Daza called on those who were with him before August 16 and up to August 24 to get in touch with the local health authorities in their areas, as per the guidelines provided by the Department of Health (DOH).
The lawmaker added that he has also instructed his staff in Congress and Daganas field office to immediately initiate a thorough contact tracing in coordination with local officials and health authorities.
“In the meantime, I shall continue to do my work in the House of Representatives from my hospital room through teleconferencing and online mode,” Daza said.