House of Representatives. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A consultant from the office of Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), House of Representatives Secretary-General Jose Luis Montales reported Friday.
Montales said the consultant last went to the House of Representatives on August 24 and 25 and was tested after showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Montales said there are now 73 COVID-19 cases in the lower chamber, of which 14 are active.
The House official earlier reminded employees to only physically report for work when 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 Sec-Gen said.
Montales said appropriate penalties for violations of House’s health and safety protocols would be imposed.
As of September 10, there are 248,947 COVID-19 cases in the country, with recoveries at 186,058 and death toll at 4,066.