ADB staff member tests positive for COVID-19

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has confirmed that a staff member of its headquarters in Mandaluyong City has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement released Tuesday, the Japan-led lender said the staff member, who experienced mild symptoms that did not require admission to the hospital, last reported to the Manila office on March 11, 2020.

Staff of the ADB have been on work-from-home status since March 12, to give way to the cleaning and disinfecting of the headquarters.

"We are providing care and support to our colleague and wish the staff member a speedy recovery," said ADB vice-president for administration and corporate management Deborah Stokes.

Established in 1966, the ADB assists its members and partners by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development. 

As of Tuesday morning, 501 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in the Philippines. It is unclear, however, if the ADB staff member is included in the figure.

A total of 33 deaths have been recorded in the country so far. Nineteen patients, meanwhile, have recovered from the illness. — RSJ, GMA News