SENATOR Richard Gordon on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, announced that he tested positive for Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement, he said the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) molecular laboratory informed him of the test result Wednesday morning. He has gone into isolation at home.

“I am feeling slightly under the weather but I am exhibiting no other symptoms as of now and my doctor has advised me to rest and isolate at home,” he said.

Gordon, who serves as chairman of PRC, said he made the announcement in order to speed up the contact tracing process. He called on anyone who may have come into contact with him to isolate immediately and get tested five to seven days after contact.

The senator said he is fully vaccinated. He called on all Filipinos to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as well as soon as the vaccine becomes available through the local government unit or employer.

“I have been fully vaccinated and am grateful for the protection the vaccine affords me today. While infections in vaccinated people are relatively uncommon, they can and do happen,” he said.

“What vaccines offer, as has been documented in countries with high rate of vaccination, is protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death,” he added.

He also called for compliance to minimum health protocols at all times.

“Wear a mask, observe physical distancing, and wash/disinfect your hands regularly. These protocols should remain in place even for vaccinated people for as long as the majority of the population has not been vaccinated,” he said. (MVI / SunStar Philippines)