After recovering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Philippine Red Cross Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Senator Richard Gordon reminded the public to always be extra careful to reduce the risk of getting infected.
Gordon confirmed that he recovered from COVID-19 during the Laging Handa Public Briefing on Thursday, Aug. 12. “Yes, alam mo mag-ingat lang tayo, wala akong naramdaman (you know, let’s just be careful, I didn’t feel anything), I was completely asymptomatic,” he said when asked about his current condition.
On July 28, Gordon announced that he tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. “Really, I did not feel anything and I'm very very thankful to doctor and nurses, and also to all well wishes,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Despite being asymptomatic, Gordon shared that he needed to take extra precaution because his wife has an autoimmune problem. “Syempre iningatan ko yung asawa ko, yung mga katulong namin sa bahay, yung aking mga kasama sa Red Cross at aking mga staff sa Senado, ayoko mahawa sila sa akin (Of course, I have to take care of my wife, our helpers in the house, the people in Red Cross and my staff in the Senate, I don't want them to get infected because of me),” he said.
Meanwhile, Gordon stressed the importance of strictly complying with the minimum health standards. He noted that following the health protocols is very important even if a person has already received a COVID-19 jab.
Gordon, who is already vaccinated against COVID-19, still contracted the disease. “Nakakapagtaka na naturukan na ako pero sinasabi ko yan na kahit naturukan tayo, kailangan mag-ingat tayo (I wondered why because I was already vaccinated but that what I’m saying, even if we’re vaccinated, we really have to be careful),” he added.
After his experience, Gordon underscored the need for everyone to strictly follow the health protocols so they can protect themselves and their families from COVID-19.
“Lahat kayo kahit nabakunahan kayo, follow the protocols, kailangan naka-mask kayo, kailangan may distancing, kailangan naghuhugas kayo ng kamay at kailangan wag masyado naglalalabas (For everyone, even if you have been vaccinated, you need to wear masks, practice distancing, wash your hands frequently and avoid getting out if not needed),” he added.