16 more DOJ personnel positive for COVID-19 in rapid test, to undergo confirmatory test

Sixteen more personnel of the Department of Justice (DOJ) were found positive for COVID-19 using rapid tests, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday.

This brings the total number of possible COVID-19 cases in the DOJ to 59, with the 43 other cases reported on Tuesday. A total of 448 personnel have been tested.

Those found positive in rapid testing will undergo swab tests to confirm their results.

"I have instructed all those who have tested positive to stop reporting for work and undergo swab tests immediately," Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

"The rest may work from home. The premises will be disinfected again," he said. He stressed that work is not suspended at the DOJ.

Philippine health authorities have recorded 23,732 COVID-19 cases in the country as of Wednesday afternoon. Of this number, 4,895 patients have recovered and 1,027 have died. -MDM, GMA News