Image: Instagram/@aikomelendez
Aiko Melendez has reminded the public that “COVID-19 is still out there” as she disclosed she had contracted the disease and has been experiencing symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
The actress-politician showed herself holding a COVID-19 test kit with a positive result, through her Instagram page on Thursday, May 11.
“Apologies to everyone, especially to my constituents in district 5 Quezon City for I won’t be able to attend to invitations and activities for the next few days. I have just tested positive for COVID today, Thursday, May 11, 2023 and is currently self-quarantining at home,” she said.
“It would be best for me to finish the quarantine period and until I test negative again to make sure that everyone will be safe and will be spared from the virus,” she continued.
Melendez urged her fans to take care of their health by continuously observing safety protocols such as wearing face masks.
“[COVID-19] is still out there. We should not risk our health. I encourage everyone to continue to prevent the spread of the virus,” she added. “Thank you and I will see you all when I get better!”
Image: Instagram/@aikomelendez
Image: Instagram/@aikomelendez
In a separate Facebook post, Melendez gave an account of the symptoms she has, including cold, cough, fever, diarrhea, rashes and shortness of breath. She then lamented how she might not be able to celebrate Mother’s Day with her children on Sunday.
“Kinakaya ko, nahihirapan ako more sa pag-ubo and ‘yung biglaan mag-isolate ka na ‘di ka handa (I can endure this except for the coughing and for being isolate when I’m not ready),” she stated. “It’s almost Mother’s Day and the truth is I may not be able to spend it for the first time with my kids this Sunday, and that completely breaks my heart.”
“Sila ang mundo ko tapos bigla sa important okasyon wala ako. Single mom/dad pa naman nila ako so ang kalaban sa COVID is utak mo,” she added. (They are my world, and unexpectedly on an important occasion I will not be with them. I am a single mom and dad to them so COVID-19 really [affects] the mind.)
Melendez also expressed her appreciation for her partner, politician Jay Khonghun, for cheering her up despite her condition.
Fellow celebrities also extended their well-wishes for Melendez’s fast recovery, including Vina Morales, Charlene Gonzalez, Rodjun Cruz and Janno Gibbs. /ra