A HIGH-RANKING official of the Department of Education announced on Friday that he was tested positive of the coronavirus disease 2019.

“As a government official, it is my duty to inform the public that I tested positive for Covid19 on Thursday, December 10, 2020,” Undersecretary Alain Pascua said in a statement.

“I am now in a hospital for quarantine procedures and medical observation after I was exposed to a Covid19 positive individual last Friday night, December 4, and experienced mild symptoms last Tuesday,” he added.

Pascua said that he advised his staff who had close contact with him to undergo self-quarantine.

The DEPED central office coordinated with local health authorities to conduct contact tracing.

“Despite this unfortunate development, I am committed to carry out my duties and roles for the Department and I will continue to attend meetings virtually and make necessary decisions for the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration. Units under my watch will also continue to execute their mandates and functions,” Pascua said.