MMDA chair Danilo Lim says he contracted COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Danilo Lim said he tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a Facebook post, Lim said he learned on Tuesday that he was infected after taking a routine swab test on Monday night. The MMDA is among the frontline agencies involved in the COVID-19 response.

Lim stressed, however, that he was infected despite observing health protocols — which he said is a proof that the disease should be taken seriously.

“Kagabi, matapos kong sumailalim sa routine swab test, nakuha ko na ang results at lumabas na positive ako sa COVID-19 sa kabila ng palaging pag-iingat at pagsunod nang maigi sa mga health protocols sa lahat ng pagkakataon,” Lim said in his Facebook post.

“Pinapakita lang nito kung gaano katindi ang COVID-19 at lahat ay pwedeng tamaan,” he added.

https://web.facebook.com/135997858455/posts/10157747919843456/?d=n&_rdc=1&_rdr

The former Army general said his wife and child were not infected as they tried their best to observe physical distancing and health protocols even at home.

Meanwhile, Lim said he has already notified his recent close contacts for possible transmission, even if he only exhibited mild symptoms.

“Nagpapasalamat ako nang lubos dahil ang aking maybahay at anak ay negative sa test. Bunga ito ng mahigpit din na pag-observe namin ng health protocols kahit sa bahay. Nananatiling mild ang aking mga sintomas at sinusunod ko ang payo ng aming doktor para maalagaan ko ang aking kalusugan ngayon,” Lim said.

“I will continue to self-isolate for now. Agad ko rin sinabihan ang lahat ng mga taong may close contact sa akin nitong nakaraang linggo na i-monitor ang kanilang mga sarili at mag self-isolate na nang 14 days,” he added.

Earlier, the Department of Health said that the total COVID-19 case count in the country is now at 471,526 — of which 23,348 are active cases.

/MUF