MMDA’s general manager positive for COVID-19

“I wish to inform everyone that I will have to work from home as I have been found positive for Covid-19,” Garcia said. (File photo: Philippine Information Agency/Website)

The test conducted to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jose Arturo “Jojo” Garcia turned out to be positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Garcia disclosed his test result in a statement on Saturday, March 28.

“I wish to inform everyone that I will have to work from home as I have been found positive for Covid-19,” he said.

“My work puts me under a lot of risk, and this is part of it. I embrace this challenge with full trust and faith in God that I will overcome the same with your prayers,” he added.

In a separate interview with Dobol sa News TV, Garcia said he does not experience any other symptoms aside from a ‘mild cough.’

Garcia, along with MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago, had undergone self-quarantine since Monday after having a meeting with a person who was found to have the disease.

Pialago earlier urged those who had direct contact with them to also undergo self-quarantine as part of the protocol to stop the spread of the virus.

“Please don’t underestimate COVID-19 and make sure to carry out proper hygiene and health measures,” she said.

Garcia’s disclosure came a day after another government official, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, General Felimon Santos, Jr. tested positive for COVID-19.

The number of COVID-19 cases has continued to spike despite putting Luzon under an enhanced community quarantine.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III previously said the spike in the number of confirmed cases is expected as the government expands its testing capacity.

“Mas maraming testing kits na ang dumating, so mas marami tayong mate-test ngayon. Siyempre kung marami kang mate-test, malamang mas marami kang makukuhang positibong kaso kaya tataas pa rin talaga ‘yan (More testing kits has arrived, so we will be able to conduct more tests. Of course, if you can test more people, you will likely get more positive cases that is why the tally will increase),” he told DZMM last Tuesday.

“Hindi naman komo nag-lockdown tayo eh biglang mawawala (Even though we are on lockdown, it does not mean that [the cases] will suddenly disappear),” he added.