Veteran broadcast journalist Ted Failon confirmed on Tuesday, March 30, that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
After learning that one of his co-workers in Radyo5 had been infected with COVID-19 and identified him as a close contact on Sunday night, Failon immediately isolated himself and got tested the following morning. He also learned that he has the virus on Monday night, March 29.
The anchor shared this in a statement posted by his fellow anchor DJ Chacha on Twitter.
“On late Sunday night, March 28th, I received a message from a Radyo5 station officer notifying me that one of my co-workers in the station tested positive for COVID-19 and that this co-worker identified me as a close contact. As soon as I heard the news, I immediately put myself in self-isolation and decided to have myself tested the morning of March 29th. And during late night of March 29th, the results came back indicating that I tested positive for COVID-19,” he said.
Failon, who is asymptomatic, placed himself in home quarantine and informed close contacts of his condition “for their appropriate action.”
“I am asymptomatic and I will follow the advice to self-isolate and be placed on home quarantine. All my close contacts have been informed of my situation for their appropriate action,” said Failon.
Failon also hoped he would not develop any symptoms and that he would be able to continue working in any possible means.
“I am praying that I do not develop any symptom and if at all possible, I can continue working from home, via any communication means that is achievable, given the current state I am in,” he added.
The broadcaster said that what happened to him serves as a reminder to all that even if all health precautions are taken, the risk of contracting the virus remains high.
“This serves as a reminder to everyone that even in the midst of strictly following the health protocols, the probability of the virus infecting us is still high this is why now more than ever, we need to be extra cautious and take all necessary precautions to ensure our safety and the safety of our families,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, DJ Chacha said in the caption that Failon is doing well and requested prayers from the public.
“Positibo sa Covid 19 si Sir Ted Failon. Asymptomatic po siya at maayos ang kalagayan. We would truly appreciate your prayers for Sir Ted Failon & to all our colleagues battling Covid to safely come through it. Stay safe everyone,” she wrote.
Positibo sa Covid 19 si Sir Ted Failon. Asymptomatic po siya at maayos ang kalagayan. We would truly appreciate your prayers for Sir Ted Failon & to all our colleagues battling Covid to safely come through it. Stay safe everyone! pic.twitter.com/UF6QuzEqFS
— DJ Chacha (@_djchacha) March 30, 2021
‘Frontline Pilipinas’ news anchor Cheryl Cosim is also asymptomatic.
On her Facebook account, she also announced on March 30 that she had tested positive for COVID-19.
Similar to Failon, she also informed all her close contacts and put herself on self-isolation. The anchor, however, continues to work for Frontline Pilipinas.
“I tested positive for covid-19. It was yesterday morning when I was told. I am asymptomatic and I am praying it continues this way. I have informed all close contacts and on self-isolation. Panginoon, kayo na po ang bahala sa amin. Praying for everybody. Still, working from home,” she shared.
Despite her situation, Cosim remained thankful, using the hashtags #grateful and #godisincontrol in her post.
I tested positive for covid-19. It was yesterday morning when I was told. I am asymptomatic and I am praying it…
Posted by Cheryl Cosim-Alvarez on Monday, March 29, 2021
On March 31, Cosim posted a video, thanking all those who have prayed and sent a message to her. In her caption, she also reminded the public to take care of themselves and follow the health protocols at all times.
“Maraming maraming Salamat po sa inyong mga mensahe! I’m overwhelmed! Dasal ko na malagpasan naming lahat na Covid-19 positive ang laban na ito. Pls continue to pray for us lalo na po sa mga seryoso ang kalagayan. Mag-ingat at protektahan n’yo ang inyong mga sarili. Our hospitals here in Metro Manila are full. Wala na po mapaglagyan ng mga pasyente. Wear your masks and face shields at all times, wash your hands and don’t forget to keep your distance from the people around you. Stay safe,” wrote Cosim.
Recently, Raffy Tulfo’s driver also tested positive for COVID-19 after experiencing symptoms after being driven home from his ‘Frontline Pilipinas’ program.
After receiving the results, Tulfo, who tested negative, and his driver then self-isolated themselves as a safety protocol for COVID-19.
Tulfo also expressed his displeasure with TV’s Human Resources Department for failing to take the requisite measures to protect their staff from the virus.
He suggested that the TV5 network conduct antigen tests on all Kapatid workers every two weeks to ensure everyone’s safety while working in the network.
Tulfo even threatened to resign and leave the TV5 network if the network failed to comply.
Despite the fact that Ted Failon, Cheryl Cosim, and Raffy Tulfo’s driver strictly followed the health protocols, still they are infected with the deadly coronavirus virus at work.
