OCD chief tests positive for Covid-19

MANILA – Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Ricardo Jalad is among the 116 staffers of the agency’s central office who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a message to reporters Friday National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) deputy spokesperson Mark Cashean Timbal said Jalad, who was fully vaccinated, had mild symptoms.

“Usec (Undersecretary) Jalad po tested positive kahapon and is part of the 116. He has mild symptoms and is currently in isolation. He is fully vaccinated naman po and informed me that he’s alright,” he said.

Timbal said that they are waiting for the latest update on the cases but as of 7 p.m. Thursday, 17 employees at OCD’s central office tested negative for the disease.

READ: OCD central office closed as 116 staff test positive for Covid-19

With 116 out of the 380 employees infected, the office was temporarily closed for disinfection until August 30.

Timbal said 80 percent of those who tested positive are asymptomatic.

The majority of the agency’s employees have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

Timbal said this is the first time the agency has recorded a large number of infections among its employees.

Meantime, the NDRRMC Operations Center remains in service as its staff members are negative for Covid-19.