MANILA, Philippines—A ranking official of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council was among hundreds of the agencies’ employees infected with SARS Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Ricardo Jalad, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator, had tested positive for the virus, according to OCD spokesperson Mark Timbal.
Jalad was among 116 OCD employees who had been infected, according to Timbal.
“He has mild symptoms and is currently in isolation,” Timbal said. “He is fully vaccinated and informed me that he’s alright.”
The infection of 116 OCD employees prompted the office to close for disinfection until Aug. 30.
At least 80 percent of those who tested positive showed no symptoms but had been brought to a quarantine facility, said Timbal.
Jalad said there would be no interruption in NDRRMC operations.
The OCD employees, who tested negative, are doing their duties remotely.
“We assure our people that we are not hindered in any way to serve. We will overcome COVID-19,” Jalad said.