Caloocan congressman tests positive for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Caloocan City 1st District Representative Dale “Along” Malapitan confirmed on Sunday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

“Ikinalulungkot ko pong ipabatid na ako ay positibo sa COVID-19 sa kabila ng aking mga pag-iingat na ginagawa at masusing pagsunod sa mga health at safety protocols,” Malapitan said in a statement.

(I regret to inform you that I tested positive for COVID-19 despite taking precautions and complying with health and safety protocols.)

He stressed that he tested negative for COVID-19 when he recently filed his certificate of candidacy. He is Team Aksyon at Malasakit’s mayoral candidate.

“Nais ko rin pong linawin na nagpa-swab test ako at ang aking buong team at mga staff noong October 5, 2021 bilang paghahanda sa paghahain ng aking Certificate of Candidacy kinabukasan, October 6, at NEGATIBO po ang resulta naming lahat,” Malapitan, who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, narrated.

(I would like to clarify that I had myself swabbed and the whole team and staff on October 5 in preparation for my filing of certificate of candidacy the next day, October 6. We all had negative results.)

“Tanging ang RT-PCR po na isinagawa sa akin kahapon ang positibo,” he added.

(Only the reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction test that was conducted on me yesterday tested positive.)

The congressman said that he is in quarantine and only experiencing coughs.

“Gayunman, asahan niyo po na patuloy akong maglilingkod sa aking mga kababayan sa Caloocan sa pamamagitan ng aking mga opisina at ng buong Team Aksyon at Malasakit,” he said.

(Despite this, expect that I will continue to serve my constituents in Caloocan through my office and Team Aksyon and Malasakit.)

Malapitan likewise informed that Team Aksyon at Malasakit staff and members, who are his close contacts, will undergo a swab test to ensure their safety.

He also urged individuals he interacted with to monitor themselves, self-quarantine, and be tested for the coronavirus.

Disinfection in all their offices would also be conducted, Malapitan said.

The Caloocan Public Information Office assured the public that contact tracing is underway.

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