MANILA, Philippines – Senator Sonny Angara said he has tested positive again for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), close to one month after recovering from the contagious illness.
"But while preparing to donate my blood plasma for a second time, my doctors, after the results of the initial antibody test taken before donating, had me take another swab test, which registered positive," Angara wrote on Facebook.
Angara said his doctors suspect there are still "remnants of the virus" in his body.
"My wife Tootsy has tested negative, which could be proof of what my doctors are positing that I am probably no longer infectious and that this latest positive result is probably picking up remnants of the virus," he said.
On April 13, Angara shared that he had donated blood plasma which would be used to treat a COVID-19 patient in critical condition.
READ: PGH calls for blood donations from COVID-19 survivors
Meanwhile, Department of Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire agreed with Angara's doctors about his test results.
"The RT-PCR is not recommended by our experts as a measure of cure, as the virus may still be apparent in the body of COVID-positive cases, even long after they have recovered, such as the case of Sen. Sonny Angara. But it doesn't mean that he is still infectious," Vergeire told CNN Philippines.
Angara said he will participate in Senate proceedings through teleconferencing which the Senate may allow starting Monday after an amendment to our Rules.
"Rest assured that I will continue working from home like many of our countrymen and performing my duties as senator to the best of my ability," he said.
He also expressed gratitude to all frontliners, especially the healthcare workers, during this COVID-19 pandemic.
"Once again I wish to thank all our frontliners, especially the healthcare workers. To our kababayans, let us continue to observe quarantine rules and continue taking precautions like safe distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks, if necessary. Thank you and continued prayers for everyone’s well-being. As I’ve said before, with hope, sacrifice, and unity of effort we will overcome this crisis," he said.
— The Summit Express
"But while preparing to donate my blood plasma for a second time, my doctors, after the results of the initial antibody test taken before donating, had me take another swab test, which registered positive," Angara wrote on Facebook.
Angara said his doctors suspect there are still "remnants of the virus" in his body.
"My wife Tootsy has tested negative, which could be proof of what my doctors are positing that I am probably no longer infectious and that this latest positive result is probably picking up remnants of the virus," he said.
On April 13, Angara shared that he had donated blood plasma which would be used to treat a COVID-19 patient in critical condition.
READ: PGH calls for blood donations from COVID-19 survivors
Meanwhile, Department of Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire agreed with Angara's doctors about his test results.
"The RT-PCR is not recommended by our experts as a measure of cure, as the virus may still be apparent in the body of COVID-positive cases, even long after they have recovered, such as the case of Sen. Sonny Angara. But it doesn't mean that he is still infectious," Vergeire told CNN Philippines.
Angara said he will participate in Senate proceedings through teleconferencing which the Senate may allow starting Monday after an amendment to our Rules.
"Rest assured that I will continue working from home like many of our countrymen and performing my duties as senator to the best of my ability," he said.
He also expressed gratitude to all frontliners, especially the healthcare workers, during this COVID-19 pandemic.
"Once again I wish to thank all our frontliners, especially the healthcare workers. To our kababayans, let us continue to observe quarantine rules and continue taking precautions like safe distancing, washing hands, and wearing masks, if necessary. Thank you and continued prayers for everyone’s well-being. As I’ve said before, with hope, sacrifice, and unity of effort we will overcome this crisis," he said.
— The Summit Express
