Some members of PH Paralympic delegation contract COVID-19

The Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) announced that some members of the team have contracted the COVID-19 with only two days left before the Games start on August 24.

PPC said in a statement on Sunday that some officials, coaches, and one para athlete bound for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics tested positive for the virus and are now in isolation.

Francis Diaz, the country's chef de mission to the Paralympic Games, also confirmed the development to GMA News Online, saying that their bid in the quadrennial meet remains the same despite this setback.

"The delegation landed safely in Japan and have cleared all the safety and health protocols," Diaz said in a message.

"Those who tested  positive did not join the delegation anymore. The fight definitely continues and all are in high spirits."

The Philippine delegation is composed of six para athletes with wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan (para athletics) carrying the country’s flag in the opening ceremony while swimmer Ernie Gawilan will have the same role in the closing ceremony.

Completing the delegation are discus thrower Jeanette Aceveda, swimmer Gary Bejino, taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin and powerlifter Achelle Guion.

There is no confirmation yet on the identity of the athlete who is positive.

—JMB, GMA News