Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, one of the top officials in-charge of the country’s Covid-19 response, on Tuesday said he had tested positive for the virus and would continue his self-imposed quarantine.
Año, in a statement, said he went on quarantine on March 26 after learning that four people he came in close contact with had tested positive for Covid-19.
“On March 27, I got tested. Today, March 31, I received the result from RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) informing me that I am positive for Covid-19,” the former army general said.
Año said he felt well and did not have symptoms, adding he would continue his quarantine and work from home.
“I make this announcement to call the attention of all persons I had close contact with to go on self-quarantine and observe any symptoms, in accordance with DOH (Department of Health) guidelines,” he said.
“The result of my test will not in any way dampen my spirit and energy to do my job,” he added.
A number of top officials have gone on self-quarantine (but not Covid-19-positive) since last week, including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado and Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat.
On Friday, Lorenzana said Armed Forces Chief Felimon Santos had tested positive for the virus. (PressONE.ph)