77-year-old congresswoman, 2 staffers infected with COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — A 77-year-old congresswoman and two more employees of the House of Representatives were found positive for SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus disease that causes COVID-19.

These latest infections pushed the total number of cases in the lower chamber to 90 as of November 4.

House Medical and Dental Service Director Dick Dizon said Wednesday the female lawmaker resides in Quezon City but did not divulge her name.

According to Dizon, the legislator experienced an itchy throat with occasional dry cough as well as an on-and-off headache that paracetamol managed to relieve.

The lawmaker still manifests mild symptoms and remains under home isolation, he added.

Meanwhile, Dizon said the second case is a female congressional staff from the office of Camiguin Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo who went to work on October 19 but was sent home after experiencing a headache.

The congressional staff was later tested and found positive for the virus on November 3.

The third case was a 43-year old congressional staff who earlier claimed to have been exposed to a district staff member who was a confirmed COVID-19 case.

The congressional staff later experienced a sore throat, developed a fever, and lost sense of smell and taste. The employee is still symptomatic and under home isolation, Dizon said.

KGA