Several solons under self-quarantine over COVID-19 scare

Three more lawmakers at the House of Representatives are currently under self-quarantine as a preventive measure against the further spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco confirmed in a message that his brother, Navotas  City Representative John Rey Tiangco, subjected himself under quarantine after they both attended the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link C3-R10 inspection last week which a person who later tested positive for COVID-19 also attended.

Valenzuela City Representative Eric Martinez, who also attended the inspection, said in a separate message shared to reporters that he is also under self-quarantine but he is in good condition.

House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales confirmed that the two lawmakers who attended the inspection are under self-quarantine, though he did not reveal their identities.

“We are able to confirm that two members of the House of Representatives attended the NLEx Harbor Link inspection last March 5 where a person who later tested positive for COVID-19 was also present,” he said.

“Following protocol, they immediately went on self-quarantine and, as of today, have not exhibited any symptoms of the virus,” he added.

Meanwhile, Iloilo City Representative Julienne Baronda said she is also subjecting to home quarantine after being in the same room with Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on March 9 and March 10, respectively.

Both Avisado and Tugade are on self-quarantine over concerns of exposure to COVID-19.

"Being a responsible leader and mother, I am subjecting myself to home quarantine even if I do not have any symptom of COVID-19 as a standard precautionary measure advised by health authorities," Baronda said.

Tugade and President Rodrigo Duterte himself were present during the NLEx Harbor Link C3-R10 section inspection along with some Cabinet officials.

Other government officials who will go into self-quarantine due to exposure to a person who tested positive for the virus included Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Tugade, Bases Conversion and Development Authority president Vince Dizon, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno.

Although he has not exhibited any symptom of COVID-19, Duterte chose to undergo testing for the disease, Malacañang said.

Earlier in the day, Davao City Representative Isidro Ungab said he is also subjecting himself to quarantine after he interacted with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who himself came in contact with a resource person in a Senate hearing who tested positive for COVID-19.

The House of Representatives complex will undergo cleaning and disinfection starting Friday until Sunday a precautionary measure amid the threat of COVID-19. —LDF, GMA News