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Gatchalian, Binay tested negative for COVID-19


Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday confirmed that he and fellow lawmaker Nancy Binay tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Yes. Negative kami [n]i Sen. Nancy Binay," Gatchalian said in a message to GMA News Online.

The two senators were among the first in the Senate to declare that they will undergo self-quarantine last Wednesday after being exposed to a patient with COVID-19.

On March 5, a resource person who did not show any symptoms attended a Senate hearing led by Gatchalian and Binay. The guest later turned out to be infected.

In a separate statement issued to reporters, Gatchalian said he learned of the results from a radio interview with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. He said he will now end his self-quarantine.

"Having surpassed this, rest assured that my office will continue to function pursuant to the guidelines and protocols set on an enhanced community quarantine," he said.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the team of the Department of Health who facilitated the test," Gatchalian added.

Gatchalian also implored the public to carefully follow the guidelines released by the government to effectively curb the spread of the virus.

Binay, on the other hand, said she will not let her guard down despite testing negative for the virus.

"I will still continue with my 14-day quarantine. Hindi pa po tapos ang laban natin kontra sa COVID-19, and we don't want to have a false sense of security, kung kaya hinihikayat pa rin natin ang lahat na huwag na munang lumabas sa kanilang mga bahay, mag practice ng social distancing, at ugaliing maghugas ng kamay for 20 seconds," she said in a separate statement.

She also thanked all those who offered encouraging messages and prayers for her safety.

Meanwhile, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri announced on Monday night that he tested positive for COVID-19 despite being asymptomatic. He is currently undergoing home quarantine. --KBK, GMA News

 

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