MANILA, Philippines — Another congressional staff member has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) bringing the number of cases in the lower chamber to 76.
House Secretary-General Jose Luis Montales said the 76th case involves a congressional staffer of Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas.
Montales said the congressional staffer last went to the House on September 1 but did not have any significant contact with employees from the other offices.
The House Secretary-General added that of the 76 COVID-19 cases in the lower chamber, 15 are active.
On Wednesday, Brosas confirmed that she tested positive for COVID-19.
“I tested positive for COVID-19 and probably contracted the virus from exposure at the House of Representatives last September 2 because that’s the only place where I’ve been to with known active cases,” Brosas told reporters in a text message.
“I have experienced mild symptoms in the past few days and got myself tested immediately. I also immediately went under quarantine,” she added.
Brosas said she is no longer experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms as she vowed her continued participation in the budget deliberations through videoconferencing.
She is the 10th member of the House to have contracted the disease, according to Montales.
Several lawmakers in the lower chamber have tested for—and eventually recovered from—COVID-19.
However, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Francisco Datol died of acute respiratory distress due to COVID-19, as confirmed by Senior Citizens Party-list nominee Rodolfo Ordanes.
Sorsogon Rep. Ditas Ramos also passed away after testing positive for the coronavirus.