Marcos catches COVID for 3rd time

President Marcos has caught COVID-19 for the third time, but remains healthy enough to carry out his duties, Malacañang said yesterday.

- HELEN FLORES

As advised by his doctors, Marcos is under a mandatory five-day period of isolation for COVID-19 patients, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a post on its official Facebook page.

“The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference. Updates on his health will be provided as available,” the PCO said.

The Senate, meanwhile, is again allowing a hybrid public hearing after Sen. Cynthia Villar tested positive for COVID-19 while other senators fell ill.

Marcos, through the PCO, has urged the public to remain vigilant and continue observing health protocols during the Christmas season.

“During this holiday season, President Marcos encourages the public to take precautions to safeguard their health, such as vaccinating and voluntary mask-wearing when entering crowded places,” the PCO said.

Marcos, 66, was last seen in public on Saturday for the Family Day celebration of the Office of the President at Malacañang.

The President canceled his activities yesterday, including visits to Mindanao to attend to the victims of the bombing at the Mindanao State University on Sunday and the magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur late Saturday.

Marcos tested positive for COVID-19 in July 2022 and in March 2020. He received his second COVID-19 booster dose in August 2022.