Not an April Fool's Day joke, Nueva Vizcaya vice gov says he has COVID-19

Nueva Vizcaya Vice Governor Jose Tomas Sr. on Thursday said he was infected with the coronavirus disease, adding that his close contacts also immediately underwent testing.

"Today, I received my swab test results and I tested positive for COVID-19.  By a twist of fate, while today is April Fool’s Day, my swab test result is not a joke. I was immediately admitted to the hospital upon learning the results," Tomas said on Facebook.

My relatives and direct staff with whom I interacted these past days have already undergone swab test, as per protocol," he added.

Prior to receiving positive results, Tomas narrated that he was already experiencing COVID-19 symptoms but he first tested negative in his rapid test result.

"For the past few days, I have been down with flu. I underwent rapid test two times since March 21 and even had blood chem, but tested negative for COVID. Still, I placed myself in strict quarantine to avoid the spread of my condition," Tomas said.

But the vice governor said he was immediately admitted to the hospital on Wednesday because he was having "difficulty in breathing." He said he underwent a rapid test and swab test, which both showed positive results for the virus.

"Per protocol, the hospital conducted a rapid test on me and the result indicated I am positive for COVID-19. My swab test from yesterday also arrived today indicating the same results.  Although we prayed for a negative result, however, I still tested positive for COVID-19," Tomas said.

The vice governor, meanwhile, asked prayers from his constituents for the speedy recovery of COVID-19 patients.

"Let us pray for one another, especially for the full recovery of everyone who, like me, also tested positive for the disease. Let us all exercise proper health and safety protocols wherever we may be.  No matter what, to God still be the glory," Tomas said.

Philippines on Thursday recorded a total of 756,199 coronavirus disease cases. including  138,948 active cases, 13,303 fatalities and 603,948 survivors. --NB, GMA News