Antigen test of Ang Probinsyano Rep. Delos Santos yields positive for coronavirus

FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus linked to the Wuhan outbreak, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS

MANILA, Philippines—Ang Probinsyano Rep. Alfred Delos Santos disclosed Monday his rapid antigen testing has yielded a positive result for coronavirus.

Delos Santos said he received his results for his antigen test on Monday morning, prompting him to get a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for confirmatory results.

The lawmaker said he is now in self-isolation while waiting for the results of his RT-PCR test expected to come out on Tuesday.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire earlier said that those who tested positive through rapid antigen testing in areas with a high number of COVID-19 cases—such as the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus Bubble—will now be included in the official infection tally.

This includes Delos Santos who said he was tested in Metro Manila.

“So far, I have minor symptoms lang, konting sipon and ubo [a bit of cough and colds] and a little groggy but very minor,” Delos Santos told INQUIRER.net.

Over the weekend, Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice also announced that he, along with some of his staff, tested positive for coronavirus.

JPV