STATEMENT

12 March 2020, New York. -- A staff of the Philippine Mission to the United Nations has tested positive today for the COVID-19 virus. Deputy Permanent Representative Kira D. Azucena, Charge d Affaires, a.i. of the Mission, immediately advised the United Nations medical director’s office of this development, as well as the NYC health department. The latter’s advice was to self-isolate. CDA Azucena also advised the other Missions to the United Nations accordingly.

As of today, the Philippine Center in New York housing the Philippine Mission is on lockdown until further notice and its employees have been instructed to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention should they develop the symptoms.

The staff currently isolated is in good condition. She last visited the United Nations last Monday, March 9, for about 30 minutes — from 12.50 to 1.20 pm. She was asymptomatic then. The following day, Tuesday, March 10, she came down with flu-like symptoms and, in accordance with the Mission’s office protocol, did not report for work that day and saw her doctor. She tested positive for flu and was prescribed Tamiflu. She got the call today that she tested positive for COVID-19.

The Philippine Mission will continue to work closely with the New York health department to monitor the situation.