Dino tests positive for COVID-19

CEBU, Philippines —  Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino announced yesterday that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

“I am urging those who have come in close contact with me recently to have themselves tested for probable infection with COVID-19. I was exposed to a positive individual and am currently under isolation after testing positive on Feb. 14, Sunday, for SARS-CoV-2,” he said in a statement posted on the OPAV Facebook page.

Dino had himself tested after his driver tested positive for the virus on Feb. 11, Thursday.

In another statement, OPAV Assistant Secretary Jonji Gonzales said that Dino “is only exhibiting mild symptoms.”

“Dino is very grateful for the outpouring concern and support not only from Cebuanos but also from other parts of Visayas. He also expresses his appreciation to his fellow public servants, from both national and local government agencies, who conveyed their well wishes. He thanks everyone offering their prayers for his swift recovery,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said that while Dino is recuperating, the latter may send representative/s to represent OPAV in meetings with other government agencies.

OPAV also said that as what has already been practiced, events that need his presence can be done through his phone via teleconference or Zoom.

The OPAV staff who are exposed to positive individuals (close contacts) are mandated to quarantine immediately and undergo RT-PCR test on the fifth day.

If symptoms appear before the fifth day, they will be tested and continue quarantine until the required quarantine period is finished or until a negative RT-PCR result is secured.

“OPAV staff are enjoined to work remotely during quarantine as long as their health condition may allow.  They are only allowed to physically report after a negative RT-PCR result or upon securing a medical clearance after completing the quarantine period,” Gonzales said.

The statement added that OPAV is strictly observing strict health protocols inside the workplace.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, OPAV has adopted the new normal by using modern tools of technology that is widely used today,” it said.

“Technology offers some advantages of coordinating with multiple government agencies throughout the region even without face-to-face meetings and facilitates the faster exchange or transmission of documents electronically,” it added.

Gonzales said Dino’s family members tested negative but, still, they are now undergoing quarantine and following health protocols. — JMD (FREEMAN)