Panelo undergoes mandatory isolation after exposure to Dino

MANILA – Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Tuesday said he is currently undergoing mandatory isolation after exposure to Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Panelo said he joined Dino and other officials at the launch of the 101st Malasakit Center at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte last week.

“Nung nalaman natin (When we found out) we decided we have to have ourselves mandatorily quarantined,” he said in his commentary show “Counterpoint”.

Panelo said he opted to undergo isolation as a safety precaution despite maintaining at least a two-meter distance from other officials present during the event.

He said he is scheduled to get tested for Covid-19 on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Panelo wished Dino a speedy recovery, saying he would include him in his prayers.

“Itong Secretary Mike Dino pinagdarasal natin na sana gumaling na siya (This Secretary Mike Dino, we pray that he gets well soon),” he said.

In a statement released on Monday, Dino said he was exposed to an individual who earlier tested positive for the virus.

“I am currently under isolation after testing positive on Feb. 14, Sunday for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2),” he said.

Dino encouraged those who met him during the event to also undergo mandatory isolation.

“I am urging those who have come in close contact with me recently to have themselves tested for probable infection with Covid-19,” he added.

Members of Dino’s family were also tested on Sunday. The tests turned out negative.