After Senator Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Senator Aquilino “Kiko” Pimentel III became the second member of the upper chamber of the congress to test positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“I was informed late last night March 24, 2020 that I have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The swab was taken last Friday, March 20, 2020,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
The senator shared he already tried his best to limit his movement since the last session day on March 11, but “will call (to the best of my ability)” those he had come in close contact within those crucial days.
Pimentel had himself self-quarantined “upon the doctor’s advice and consistent with the protocol.”
He did not mention any COVID-19 symptoms but said: “I feel am, with God’s help, on the way to recovery.”
He asked for prayers for wife Kath “who is about to give birth in the next few days to our first baby girl, and with whom I cannot be at this very important point in our lives as parents.”
The senator also expressed his thanks to the COVID-19 frontliners in the country.
“I want to express again my profound gratitude to our frontline medical workers throughout the country, who are putting their lives at risk on a daily basis to bring a halt to this pandemic. They are the true heroes in this fight.”
He also reminded the public to follow the guidelines in containing the spread of the coronavirus.
“I also urge all of us to observe the social distancing, enhanced community quarantine measures, washing of hands and personal hygiene being implemented because they are the best strategies to beat this disease at this time.
“I have faith that together we can overcome these challenging times,” he said.
