Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc tests positive for COVID-19, says Imee

Re-elected Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc has tested positive for COVID-19, his mother, Senator Imee Marcos disclosed Wednesday.

"My son, the governor of Ilocos Norte, has fallen ill with COVID once again," Imee said in passing during an interview with reporters.

According to the senator, Manotoc was diagnosed with the respiratory disease last Monday but the governor is in good condition.

Although there is an uptick in the recent reported cases of COVID-19, Marcos said the government should not impose new lockdowns, reminding the public to strictly follow the minimum public health standards.

"No more lockdowns. Utang na loob. Ingat ingat na lamang," Imee said.

(No more lockdowns please. Let's just be cautious.)

She likewise appealed to senior citizens to avail of the booster shots that are provided by the government to prevent further transmission of the virus.

The Philippines logged 257 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, bringing the nationwide tally to 3,693,865, according to the latest data released by the Department of Health.

The new infections brought the country’s active tally to 3,130, from 3,097 on Monday.

More patients recovered from the viral disease, bringing the recovery tally to 3,630,274.

The DOH said the country’s death tally stood at 60,461 with no new deaths reported. —KG, GMA News