Father of Philippine Independent Cinema and National Artist for Film Eric de Guia a.k.a. Kidlat Tahimik tested positive for COVID-19 and has been in self-quarantine since Monday.

According to the film director himself, he might have contracted the virus after attending the Baguio City’s Ibagiw Festival on Nov. 6 where cultural activities and a month-long exhibit were held as an antidote itself to the lockdown blues.

“Regretfully, I may have had lapses in face mask security—posing for a selfie sans mask. Inadvertently I might have exposed myself to the coronavirus… I feel obliged to openly declare my case. For any of you who might have been exposed to my presence during the festival, please take precautions and monitor your health. Just in case!,” he confessed in an official statement, hoping to encourage everyone else to maintain safety guidelines.

With the coming Christmas holidays, transmission could also possibly increase, leading the medical community to send an appeal to the public to reconsider gatherings.

Moreover, according to Bloomberg, a new coronavirus variant detected in the United Kingdom has now entered an alarming mutation stage, with early studies suggesting that it “may be as much as 70% more transmissible than other circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains.” This comes on the heels of the global rollout of recently developed vaccines as well as the preliminary phases of vaccination.

Locally, the Philippines is at a standstill to secure viable vaccine supply after issues surrounding the alleged botched Pfizer deal came to light.

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Photo from Inquirer.net