MANILA – Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada has tested negative from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), his son, former senator Jinggoy Estrada said on Tuesday.
“We are happy to announce that my dad continues to improve… His repeat RT-PCR (swab test) is now negative!” Jinggoy said in a medical bulletin posted on his Facebook page.
Jinggoy added that his father showed signs of improved health and was also wheeled out of the intensive care unit (ICU) earlier in the day.
Furthermore, Erap is still on high flow oxygen support at a reduced rate. He was allowed to resume a soft diet.
“Mentally, he is oriented, conversing normally and appears to be in good spirits,” the former senator said.
Erap was rushed to the hospital in March where he tested positive for the virus. He was moved to the ICU and even intubated after developing pneumonia. On Sunday, he was extubated and removed from ventilation support.
Meanwhile, Jinggoy’s half-brother, former senator Jose Victor Ejercito, also confirmed in a tweet the recovery of his father but asked prayers for Erap’s 93-year-old elder sister who is positive for the virus.
The 83-year-old Estrada, a former actor, San Juan City mayor, senator, and Vice President, was not seen by the public since losing his re-election bid as Manila City mayor in 2019./PN
