Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on Tuesday, April 6, the latest among the cabinet officials who were infected by he virus since last year.
"The result of my RT-PCR (real time polymerase chain reaction) test today, 06 April 2021, came up positive. I will be undergoing isolation, following the quarantine guidelines to avoid infecting others," Lorenzana said in a statement.
"I have no symptoms. Thank God," he added.
Lorenzana said all his close contacts were already informed about his condition and advised to isolate and get tested.
It was the first time that Lorenzana tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began last year.
The Defense Chief did not mention how he acquired the virus but he reminded the public to follow the minimum health standards in order to avoid catching COVID-19.
"I would like to remind everyone that the threat of the virus is as real as ever, more so now due to the new variants. Let us all cooperate and abide by the prescribed health protocols to help in curbing the spread of COVID-19," he said.
While undergoing isolation, Lorenzana said the Department of National Defense (DND) will continue to operate although only with a skeletal workforce "to ensure continuity of service, with the prescribed health protocols strictly enforced."
Lorenzana, 72, has yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 although he is already allowed to get one since he falls under the A2 priority in the vaccination program as a senior citizen.