CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 19) — The Senate building will go on a “total lockdown” on Aug. 22 after seven lawmakers tested positive for COVID-19 this month, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Friday.
He ordered all Senate employees to work from home to give way to a thorough disinfection of the premises.
Sessions will resume on Aug. 23, he added.
Senators JV Ejercito and Nancy Binay were the latest additions to the COVID-19 cases in the Senate.
Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Senator Grace Poe also confirmed their COVID-19 diagnoses.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has recovered, while Senators Imee Marcos and Cynthia Villar have been attending sessions virtually.
There are at least 47 active COVID-19 cases in the upper chamber.
The Senate has been implementing stricter health protocols, including a three-week “lockdown for guests” that started on Aug. 15 due to rising COVID-19 cases.
