Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. leads a recent meeting of the local task force on COVID-19. He tested positive for COVID-19 after attending a series of public events in Metro Manila and the province. Photo from the official Facebook page of Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales –– Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. announced on Monday, March 22, that he had tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“It is rather unfortunate that I have been found infected with the COVID-19 after undergoing a rapid antigen test where I was reactive and further confirmed by the RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) result yesterday afternoon, March 21,” Ebdane said in a statement.
Before his testing, Ebdane participated in several public events.
He attended the general assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines General Assembly at Edsa Plaza Hotel with 12 other governors and the 6th Full Council Meeting of the Regional Development Council.
The governor also inspected the construction of bridges at Barangay Felmida Diaz and Cadmang Reserva in Cabangan town.
He also conducted an emergency meeting attended by provincial directors of different agencies.
“It is suggested that all those who were present and participated in those events undergo COVID-19 testing, including those who think they got exposed [to me on] March 12-19, ” said Ebdane
Ebdane added that he contracted the virus despite strictly adhering to health protocols.