By Ellson Quismorio The House of Representatives has announced two more positive cases of COVID-19 among its employees just days after its sine die adjournment. “We regret to inform you that two of our co- employees tested positive for COVID-19 today," House Secretary General Jose Luis Montales said in a message late Monday night. The two employees are a couple, according to Montales. "One is assigned at the Printing Office, the other at the Engineering Department. They last reported for work on May 28," he said. "Protocols for handling positive cases and their close contacts are being observed. Let’s pray for our co-employees’ recovery," he said. The couple represent the fifth and sixth confirmed individual cases of the deadly disease in the Lower Chamber, which holds the offices of 302 congressmen. Of the six cases, two have resulted in deaths. The first was a 41-year-old printing service staff worker who died on March 15, and the second a 65-year-old congressional staff member who expired on March 21. The House adjourned sine die last June 5 after carrying out a month's worth of plenary sessions and legislative work, including hearings. During the final stretch of the first regular session from May 4 to June 5, the House imposed stricter protocols for visitors such as the enforcement of drop off points around Batasan Complex. Those entering the premises are also required to execute a health form, which takes note of possible COVID-19 symptoms that the visitors may have, as well as contact with infected persons. The plenary sessions were aided by videoconferencing apps like Zoom, thus allowing the House members to join the proceedings remotely. However, there were still a handful of solons on the plenary floor itself, sporting face masks, and their tables spaced out in observance of the physical distancing rule. The lawmakers will reconvene again in late July when President Duterte delivers his annual State of the Nation Address.