RT-PCR test confirms AFP chief positive for Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 23, 2021): RT-PCR test confirms AFP chief positive for Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., on Monday afternoon confirmed that he tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.

"I received confirmation that I have tested positive to Covid-19 with the result of my RT-PCR this afternoon," he said in a statement.

Faustino was earlier found positive for Covid-19 by antigen testing shortly before his scheduled meet and greet with defense reporters Monday morning.

AFP spokesperson Army Col. Ramon Zagala earlier said Faustino is now undergoing self-isolation along with his close contacts as per protocol.

"Fortunately, I am fully vaccinated and in high spirits to continue performing my job, albeit in quarantine," he said.

Faustino said he will remain in command of the AFP but will continue to follow the prescribed isolation protocol to ensure the safety of the people he works with and his family.

"In fact, I intend to join virtually the Western Mindanao Command Change of Command Ceremony tomorrow (Tuesday)," he added.

With this development, Faustino also encouraged everyone to support the government's vaccination efforts by getting inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine whenever and wherever they can.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1151350