Doc Willie Ong says he tested positive for COVID-19

Vice presidential aspirant Dr. Willie Ong on Friday revealed that he has COVID-19.

On Facebook Live, Ong said the specimen from his nasal and oral swab was tested positive for the virus via antigen test.

“Medyo bad news. Tinamaan tayo ngayon [ng COVID-19]. Wala na akong boses… Almost mga day two po ako ngayon ng COVID. Positive tayo sa swab antigen,” he said.

(We have bad news. I have COVID-19. I'm almost on day two now. My antigen test showed that I am positive.)

The vice presidential aspirant emphasized the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant, saying he was very careful when going outside his residence yet he still contracted the disease.

“Actually, maingat naman talaga ako. Lagi akong naka-N95 [mask] always pag lumalabas pero parang matindi talaga ‘tong Omicron, matindi siya pumasok,” he said.

(Actually, I was very careful. I always wear N95 mask whenever I go out but the Omicron is very dangerous.)

On Thursday, the Philippines registered another record-high 34,021 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the Philippines' case load to 3,092,409.

The OCTA Research has said the COVID-19 average daily attack rate (ADAR) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has increased further to 117.24% from the previous 111.80%.

ADAR pertains to the incidence showing the average number of new cases in a period per 100,000 people.

OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David said the "surge" is in early stages in some parts of the country, while in many HUCS (highly urbanized cities), the surge is accelerating or matured."  —KBK, GMA News