Sen. Richard Gordon. (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)
Updated
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Richard Gordon, and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman, has tested positive for COVID-19.
In a statement Wednesday, Gordon said he was informed this morning by PRC’s molecular laboratory that his RT-PCR test result came back positive.
“I am feeling slightly under the weather but am exhibiting no other symptoms as of now and my doctor has advised me to rest and isolate at home. I will continue to observe my symptoms and report any significant changes to my doctor,” the senator said.
Gordon also called on those who may have had contact with him to immediately isolate and get tested by RT-PCR five to seven days after said contact.
He is the sixth senator to contract the virus.
Fully vaccinated
According to Gordon, he has already been fully vaccinated and is “grateful for the protection the vaccine affords me today.”
“While infections in vaccinated people are relatively uncommon, they can and do happen. What vaccines offer, as has been documented in countries with high rate of vaccination, is protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and deaths,” he said.
“Vaccines work and they save lives,” he added.
He then urged Filipinos to get their COVID-19 vaccine if it is already available to them.
“I call on the government, private sector, and humanitarian and civic organizations to work together to bring more vaccines into the country so that we can get as many people as possible vaccinated,” Gordon also said.
“We are at war with an invisible enemy. Protecting ourselves and our loved ones is our best chance to win this battle. For as long as large numbers of people remain unvaccinated, the virus will creep into our homes and communities and destroy lives and livelihood,” he added.
He also reminded the public to continue adhering to health protocols, saying these are the “most effective protective measures” against COVID-19.
“[W]ear a mask, observe physical distancing, and wash/disinfect your hands regularly. These protocols should remain in place even for vaccinated people for as long as the majority of the population has not been vaccinated,” he added.