Bishop, town exec contract COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Despite being fully vaccinated against COVID, a bishop in Abra and a municipal councilor in Pangasinan have tested positive for COVID.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian of Bangued, Abra said he has been following health protocols strictly, but he still contracted COVID.

Meanwhile, Councilor Vismark Valerio of Binmaley, Pangasinan said he was glad that he was already fully vaccinated when he contracted COVID, otherwise his body might not be able to fight the virus.

“Despite having been fully vaccinated and diligently following health protocols, COVID-19 has not spared me. Yesterday, I had my swab test. The result is positive,” Jaucian said.

The prelate is undergoing home quarantine. He advised those who were exposed to him in the past few days to seek medical help if they are showing symptoms associated with COVID.

“I am one with all those in this situation. Let us pray for one another. God heals,” Jaucian said.

Valerio confirmed in a social media post on Saturday that he tested positive for the virus.

He said he suffered from cough, colds, fever, headache and loss of appetite, and is currently recovering from the disease.