Jean Garcia urges public to stay home after mom’s death due to COVID-19

Jean Garcia on Wednesday urged the public to follow safety protocols and stay home after her mother Sandra, 70, died due to COVID-19.

“[H]uwag tumigas ang ulo. ’Wag ka na lang lumabas (don’t be stubborn. Don’t go out),” Jean told Aubrey Carampel on “24 Oras” in tears.

Jean recalled that on March 18, she noticed that her mom looked tired and did not have an appetite.

Five days later, they decided to bring her to a hospital. She said they visited more than 10 hospitals and it took them 13 hours before finding one that could accommodate her mom.

It was only at the hospital that they confirmed she was positive for COVID-19.

The actress said her mom might have gotten the virus from her caregiver, who tested positive but was asymptomatic.

She urged everyone to be mindful not only of themselves but also of other people’s health.

“Masakit talaga so sana lesson kasi COVID-19 is real. Hindi siya biro. Isa siyang plague,” said Jean.

[It really hurts so I hope it will be a lesson because COVID-19 is real. It’s not a joke. It’s a plague.] 

Jean is now quarantined at home. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News