Upon the advice of his physician, Senator Dick Gordon was admitted last night to the Makati Medical Center for observation and further testing related to COVID-19.
“Initial COVID-19 panel test results and high resolution chest CT-scan findings indicate COVID pneumonia. Sen. Gordon is being treated accordingly and will remain at MMC until further notice,” Philippine Red Cross posted on Facebook.
“He sends his thanks to all of those who have sent messages and offered prayers for his recovery,” it added.
Senator Richard Gordon has tested positive for COVID-19. He said he was vaccinated and is currently asymptomatic.
“Regular nagpapa-test ako. Asymptomatic ako. Kaagad nag-[isolate] na ko. Ako nasa bahay ngayon,” Gordon, chairman, and CEO of Philippine Red Cross, said in a DZXL interview.
(I get tested regularly. I am asymptomatic. I immediately [isolated]. I’m at home now.)
Gordon added that he and his wife, Katherine Howell Gordon, have already received their COVID-19 vaccines. “Nakapagbakuna na kami. Magtetest siya in about 3 days para sigurado tayo,” he said.
(We have been vaccinated. She will be tested in about 3 days, so we are sure.)
Gordon hospitalized due to COVID pneumonia
He told ABS-CBN News that he was tested for COVID-19 after he showed symptoms of drowsiness, which is uncommon for him. The senator added that he also felt he was coming down with a cold.
In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, the senator said he was advised to take a COVID test after exhibiting symptoms of drowsiness, which is uncommon for him. He added that he also felt he was coming down with a cold.
He recalled he was not wearing a face mask while talking to a janitor before getting tested.
Gordon is the sixth senator to have contracted COVID-19, and Senators Koko Pimentel, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sonny Angara, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Meanwhile, it is possible for hospitals in the National Capital Region (NCR) will reach full capacity by mid-August if the national government does not immediately implement community quarantine restrictions.
According to OCTA Research fellow Fr Nicanor Austriaco, based on projections from Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, the health care utilization rate in Metro Manila could also reach 100% by August 15.
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