Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 18) — Ten of the staff of Senator Richard Gordon, who also chairs the Philippine Red Cross, tested positive for the coronavirus disease, the lawmaker announced early Saturday.
Gordon said that the Philippine Red Cross has been conducting regular RT-PCR testing for its staff and volunteers since they are in the frontline in the fight against COVID-19.
“Upon receipt of the results, they immediately went into quarantine. We have also begun contact tracing procedures in order to identify all those who may have been exposed to these individuals and take appropriate measures moving forward,” Gordon said in a statement posted on his official Twitter account.
Gordon said he, along with his wife and two household staff were tested as well, “as I am exposed to my staff and to the public on a daily basis.” All their results came back negative, but they will isolate themselves at home as a precautionary measure.
This is the latest in a string of infections involving congressional staff. Several senators have earlier announced confirmed COVID-19 cases among their employees, while the House of Representatives has reported 16 infections.
Nationwide, the number of COVID-19 cases has reached 63,001, with more than 21,000 recoveries and 1,660 deaths.
Full statement re our COVID-19 positive staff: pic.twitter.com/XU7V5cjfBi
— Richard J. Gordon (@DickGordonDG) July 17, 2020
