COVID-19 cases at House now at 74

The number of COVID-19 cases reported at the House of Representatives has climbed to 74, of which 14 are active, after another security staff tested positive for the disease.

House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales confirmed the development in a statement sent to reporters on Monday.

According to him, the security staff last reported for work on September 2, and undertook COVID-19 testing after developing fever.

Contact tracing is ongoing with regards to the new COVID-19 case at the House, he added.

Montales has reminded members of the House community to take extra precautions in order to prevent the further transmission of the disease.

He said employees should only report to work physically only if there is an absolute necessity.

Those who are experiencing or have experienced any COVID-19 symptom within the last 14 days should no longer report from work, he added.

Montales said appropriate penalties will be imposed on violators of the health and safety protocols of the House. — Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News