By Ellalyn de Vera-Ruiz
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has tested negative for the coronavirus, Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran announced on Sunday.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade (Department of Transportation's Official Facebook Page / MANILA BULLETIN)
While test results turned out negative, Libiran said that in compliance to the protocols set by the Department of Health, the Secretary “will take precautionary measures seriously while working for the benefit of the country.”
“Our job continues. COVID-19 may be strong, but it will never be strong enough to bring this country, and the hearts of the Filipinos down. God is good,” Tugade said.
President Duterte, Tugade, and other government officials attended last March 5 the inspection of the North Luzon Expressway Harbor Link C3-R10.
A person who later tested positive for the coronavirus disease was learned to have also attended the event.
The President was also tested for the virus last Thursday but the test later showed he was not infected.
So far, the country has 111 cases of coronavirus disease. Eight have died, 5 recovered, while 101 are still confined in hospitals.