Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri was positive for the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Senator revealed on Monday.
In a viber message sent to Senate reporters, Zubiri said he had a test taken last Friday while he was on self quarantine.
Zubiri said he got a call from Health Secretary Francisco Duque III Monday afternoon about his condition.
“My heart sank with what he had said but I’m uplifted with the fact that i am asymptomatic and have no fever or cough nor am I weak or have any headaches,” Zubiri said.
Zubiri said his decision to self quarantine last Wednesday evening after session was the best decision he made and could have protected his family from contamination.
As one of those very early on in the Senate who espoused and advocated for stronger government response on controlling Covid-19, Zubiri said he was very careful in his dealings with people at work in the Senate.
The Senate leader said he practiced social distancing as well as a “no handshake” policy. However, he still got contaminated.
“How, I do not know. This just goes to show how easily this virus is spreading and therefore it is best for everyone to stay home and stay clean,” Zubiri said.
“As for me i will stay locked in isolation for 10 more days until I get checked once again with hopefully a negative result,” said the Senate leader.
He expressed hope that his coming out will show how dangerously infectious this virus is.
“Sa aking mga Kababayans, makinig po tayo sa mga babala nang Gobyerno at wag na po kayo lumabas sa inyong mga tahanan. God bless us all,” said Zubiri.
Zubiri likewise posted his revelation on the new coronavirus on his Facebook account.
Twelve persons infected with the disease have died as of Sunday.
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared an enhanced community quarantine over Luzon in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19./Stacy Ang