Former Health Secretary and incumbent Congresswoman Janette Garin has tested positive for COVID-19 despite following minimum health protocols.

In a statement, Garin said she was advised by her doctor to be on home quarantine after exhibiting mild symptoms of the respiratory illness.

"Mayroon akong sipon, ubo, lagnat, at chills. Hindi naman apektado ang aking pang-amoy at panlasa. Ngunit under strict monitoring pa rin dahil ako ay tachycardic (mabilis na pagtibok ng puso)," said Garin, a physician.

She said she has already notified those who have been exposed to her to go on quarantine and watch out for symptoms.

The congresswoman, who represents Iloilo's 1st District, said she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

"I can sleep soundly with the hope that this will not be severe despite my pre-existing conditions: asthma, hypertension and Raynaud's disease," she said.

Garin said she may have contracted the disease from one of her helpers.

"Helper (fully vaccinated) went home to visit family. Just learned nag-party pala for her son’s birthday. She is asymptomatic but upon tracing, she turned out positive together with another helper (not yet fully vaccinated)," she explained to media.

"My close-in staff also went home for a week and came back last Saturday evening. Also asymptomatic though I remember sumakit ulo nya last Thursday kaya hindi naka-report. Her family is not fully vaccinated (puro first dose pa lang)," she added.

Garin said she may have let her guard down while at home.

"Binababa din paminsan-minsan masks, thinking that everybody in the house is already protected. 'Yun pala, when I was down with an allergic attack and was having a mild asthmatic attack, COVID found it the right time to attack me."

Garin reminded the public to have all members of a household vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Vaccination [is] not maximized kung isa lang sa bahay ang bakunado. Seniors, natatamaan din kasi maraming bata ang source ng infection."

"Kaya dapat unahin na ang 'herd immunity' sa mga bahay ng seniors and those with co morbidities. That way, we can maximize the protection generated by vaccines."

Garin is among many public officials in the country, including cabinet members, who have contracted the disease.

• Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III tests positive for COVID-19

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