House of Representatives. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the House of Representatives soared to 78 on Friday with the reporting of two new cases.
A statement from House Secretary-General Jose Luis Montales said the two new cases involved a House security staff member and an employee from the Legislative Library Service.
The security staff member, Montales said, last reported for work on Sept. 7 and 9.
The security staff tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, after experiencing diarrhea, body malaise, and fever, the House Secretary-General added.
Meanwhile, the employee of the House Legislative Library Service has been working from home since July 24.
She had experienced symptoms after taking care of her brother, who was confined at a hospital due to some injuries, Montales said of the Legislative Library Service employee.
Of the 78 who contracted COVID-19 in the lower chamber of Congress, 10 were members of the House of Representatives.
The latest House member to be infected with COVID-19 was Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas.