Gordon tests positive for coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 4:57 p.m.) — Sen. Richard Gordon announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for coronavirus despite having been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Gordon's staff initially said he is not experiencing any symptoms, but in a statement Gordon said that he is "feeling slightly under the weather."

Gordon, 75, said he has been advised by his doctor to rest and quarantine at home.

The chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross said he announced his diagnosis to speed up the contact tracing process and urge those who may have had contact with him to immediately isolate and get tested.

Coronavirus vaccines offer strong protection against COVID-19, but some breakthrough infections may still occur. Even then, these infections are typically asymptomatic or mild ones.

Last year, 10 of Gordon’s staff tested positive for coronavirus and were immediately quarantined.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Sens. Juan Edgardo Angara and Aquilino Pimentel have previously contracted the pathogen that causes COVID-19.