2 more House employees catch COVID-19

There are now 31 cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the House of Representatives after two more employees were infected with the respiratory illness.

House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales said contact tracing is now ongoing.

“The first is from Human Resources Management Service. He reported for work on July 22 and 23. He got tested on July 31 after experiencing cough and colds, fever, and loss of smell and taste,” Montales said.

“The second is from the Engineering Department. He tested positive when he underwent rapid antibody test as part of SONA screening protocol. His RT-PCR test confirmed that he is positive for COVID-19,” he added.

House Deputy Speaker and Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman earlier announced that he and his wife tested positive for COVID-19, making him the 29th case in the lower chamber of Congress. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News