The House of Representatives decided Friday, Jan. 7 to extend for another week its lockdown as an added precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco made the decision amid reports that COVID-19 infections will continue to rise in number in the coming days.

On Friday, Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Sherwin Gatchalian were among the celebrities and political personalities to reveal getting the dreaded 2019 coronavirus.

Lacson, who is running for president, cancelled all public appearances and went on self-quarantine as soon as he learned that two members of his household tested positive for COVID-19 and himself started experiencing early symptoms of infection.

Early this week, House Deputy Speaker and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante announced he caught the virus and advised those who came in close contact with him to take precautions to avoid infecting other people.

“We have decided to extend the lockdown by another week from January 10 to 16 as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of House members and employees in view of an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases in NCR and adjacent provinces,” Velasco said.

The House has been placed on lockdown since last Tuesday amid the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant that health authorities suspect is behind the current spike in infections.

Velasco said regular work in the House will resume on January 17, when the legislature is also scheduled to convene for its first plenary session since the holiday break.

However, Velasco said only 20 percent of the workforce in each office in the House will be allowed to report for work starting January 17.

Velasco said he has already instructed House Secretary General Mark Llandro Mendoza to ensure the strict implementation of the lockdown.

The House chief advised lawmakers and employees to stay at home, as he assured them of continued access to virtual committee meetings, public hearings and other events in the House during the lockdown period.

Velasco also reiterated his appeal to the public to remain vigilant and continue all public health precautions against COVID-19.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to continue to wear face mask, maintain proper physical distancing, practice good hygiene, and get vaccinated. For those who have already completed their primary doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get your booster shot once you’re eligible,” the House official said.

He added: “These are small steps that will surely help us in a big way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from contracting the virus as we continue to fight this pandemic. We must not let our guard down.”