President Joseph "Erap" Estrada is in stable condition after contracting COVID-19, according to relatives.
Upon his admission to the hospital on Sunday night, Erap's swab test confirmed that he is positive for COVID-19
FOR many workers, residents and netizens of Metro Manila, Monday morning starts with planning on how to navigate the streets and do essential work under the second ECQ in a year.
Then came the terse announcement on Facebook and other social media from former Senator Jinggoy Estrada, saying
"Nais ko pong ipaalam sa inyo na ang aming ama, na si dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada, ay isinugod namin sa ospital kagabi sa kadahilanan ng panghihinang kanyang katawan. Na-diagnose po siya na positibo sa COVID-19."
Jinggoy added, "Stable po ang kanyang kundisyon at ako po ay humihingi ng inyong mga panalangin sa kanyang agarang paggaling."
Thanks to social media, news like this spreads quickly, especially so when it comes from a reliable source such as Jinggoy, knowing how close he is to his father.
Under observation
Sources inside the Ejercito family said Erap's health had been under observation by Jinggoy, Dra. Loi Ejercito, and other family members since Thursday, March 25, when they noticed that the former President had some difficulty in breathing, had a mild cough, and was frequenting the bathroom.
Because of this concerning condition, Erap had a swab test for COVID-19 on Friday and was found to be negative.
But upon his admission to the hospital on Sunday night, Erap's swab test confirmed that he is positive for COVID-19.
Tradition
Sunday lunch had been a tradition in the Ejercito family's home at No. 1 Polk St., North Greenhills, San Juan City, during which close family members, close friends and staff gather to share food, news, and insights.
The lunch is followed by a mass inside the compound. But since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Sunday lunch had been exclusive for family members only.
Once in a while, President Erap, now 83 years old, receives close friends and family members at his home even during the pandemic, and all of them are observing basic health protocols.
Erap himself is very careful in observing health protocols, limiting his engagements outside of the home and talking only to friends over the line phone or thru his cellphone.
The Opinyon news team will monitor the former President's condition. (ONT)
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