Caloocan congressman gets COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Another senior member of the House of Representatives has contracted COVID-19.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice confirmed that he tested positive for the virus after eight days in quarantine.

“I have very mild symptoms. Nothing to worry about,” Erice said.

He said he shut down his district office in Caloocan after several of his staff members tested positive for the virus.

Erice is the fifth congressman to have been infected with COVID-19 this year.

The others were House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez (Leyte) and Reps. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Negros Oriental), Mike Defensor (Anakalusugan party-list) and JB Bernos (Abra). They have recovered from the disease, except for Bernos.

Last year, Deputy Speaker Doy Leachon, Zamboanga City Rep. Mannix Dalipe, Gabriela Women’s party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, 1-PACMAN party-list Rep. Eric Pineda, Cavite Rep. Luis Ferrer IV, Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel tested positive for the virus.

Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Francisco Datol Jr. and Sorsogon Rep. Ditas Ramos have died of COVID-19.

The House of Representatives earlier imposed a four-day lockdown amid the soaring cases of COVID-19 in Metro Manila.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco urged the public to follow the government’s call to stay at home to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

“With new COVID-19 cases reaching record highs, we must heed the stay-at-home advice of health authorities. This way, we are not only helping curb the spread of the virus but we are saving lives,” he said.

Velasco said people should avoid non-essential travel and strictly observe health protocols even at home.

“Let us do our part by not leaving our homes unless it is for essential or emergencies,” he said.