Año positive for COVID-19 anew

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has again tested positive for COVID-19, the second time he has been infected since the start of the pandemic.

While Año is not experiencing severe symptoms, he is monitoring his condition closely as he considers himself already at high risk.

Año, one of the national government’s top officials in the pandemic response, first tested positive during the outbreak of the pandemic in March and again last Saturday night.

He recounted having experienced flu-like symptoms on Aug. 13 and had himself tested the following day. He thought that he might have been exposed to a different strain of the virus during the activities and symposiums he attended as head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Año advised those he was in contact with to undergo self-quarantine and for the public to strictly observe health protocols such as the wearing of masks, frequent hand washing, and physical distancing.

“I make this announcement to call the attention of all persons I had close contact with to go on self-quarantine, observe any symptoms in accordance with DOH guidelines, and take appropriate action,” he said in statement.

Despite his condition, he said that he would continue serving his responsibilities as DILG chief and vice-chair of the National Task Force against COVID through online meetings.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said all who are scheduled to meet with President Duterte today tested negative for the virus, except for Año.

The President will meet with members of the government’s COVID-19 task force to discuss quarantine classifications.

“We were all tested pursuant to the requirement of (Davao City) Mayor Sarah (Duterte-Carpio) at least 72 hours before entry into the city. All those seeing (President Duterte today) tested negative except for Secretary Año,” Roque said in a text message. – Alexis Romero