Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III became the latest government official to be afflicted with Covid-19.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Bello tested positive for the disease last Saturday while undergoing self-quarantine in Ilagan, Isabela.
Bello is already fully vaccinated against Covid-19, said the statement, and is “asymptomatic and remains on top of his health.”
“Even while in isolation, the Secretary continues to discharge his functions,” DOLE said.
“The Secretary wishes to thank the public for their prayers, and expresses hopes to resume leading DOLE officials in the distribution of assistance funds under its Serbisyong TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) as soon as his quarantine period is over,” it added.
TUPAD is an emergency employment program for displaced informal sector workers.
Bello contracted the disease after receiving officials and guests at his office and traveling to various part of the country to distribute aid to displaced workers.
Aside from Bello, other members of the Cabinet, who were afflicted with Covid-19 include former Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.