Northern Samar lawmaker positive for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Northern Samar first district Rep. Paul Daza has confirmed that he was infected with the coronavirus disease 2019.

Daza, who is confined in a hospital in Manila, tested positive for the virus on Tuesday.

He said he began to feel sick on Aug. 16 while he was in Catarman. He said he went home to meet with local officials, community leaders and his constituents.

Daza said he decided to return to Manila on Monday after his condition did not improve.

He asked those who were exposed to him from Aug. 16 to 24 to coordinate with health authorities in Northern Samar.

Provincial health officer Rommel Francisco, who said he was among those who interacted with the congressman, said contact tracing is ongoing.