Breakthrough infection: AFP chief tests positive for coronavirus

Updated

MANILA, Philippines—Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. has gone into isolation after testing positive for SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“I received confirmation that I have tested positive to COVID-19 with the result of my RT-PCR this afternoon,” Faustino said in a statement on Monday (Aug.23).

Faustino was supposed to meet reporters online on Monday morning from his office at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Antigen tests were taken before the event, but Faustino tested positive.

The AFP chief immediately placed himself on isolation pending confirmatory RT-PCR tests.

“Fortunately, I am fully vaccinated and in high spirits to continue performing my job, albeit in quarantine,” he said. His case could be considered as among rare breakthrough infections among the vaccinated.

Faustino was injected with Sinovac’s CoronaVac in March, one of the first few high-ranking Philippine military officers to be injected with the vaccine when it was legally offered to the public.

The AFP chief, who will serve for at least three months since taking over in late July, said he will continue to be in command while on quarantine.

“I will remain in command of the AFP but will continue to follow the prescribed isolation protocol to ensure the safety of those I work with and my family,” he said.

Faustino said he will attend online the change of command ceremony of the Western Mindanao Command on Tuesday (Aug. 24).

Plans to meet INDOPACOM commander Admiral John Aquilino at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday afternoon were cancelled. A representative of his was sent instead.

TSB

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