There is apparently no need for President Duterte to go into quarantine even after his spokesman has tested positive for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque expressed belief that he did not put the President's health in danger since he had no close contact with him when they last met in Dumaguete City last Thursday, March 11. Also, the Palace official clarified that he was not yet a COVID-19 carrier during the Dumaguete event since he tested negative a day before the President's visit.
"I don't think so because I have no close contact with him and I was tested negative the day before. In fact, two hours before the even kasi I tried to be tested as close to the event possible," Roque said during a virtual press conference Monday, March 15 when asked if the President needed to get tested and isolate.
"That's the last interaction I had (with the President)," he said.
At the start of his Palace press briefing Monday, Roque announced that he tested positive for the COVID-19 a day after taking the test Sunday, March 15. He has so far not shown symptoms of the coronavirus but intends to enter an isolation facility to recover from the illness.
Before getting his positive test results, Roque was among the Cabinet members who joined the President's visit to Negros Oriental last week. The President attended the inauguration of key airport and port rehabilitation projects in Dumaguete City March 11.
Asked about his possible close contacts in the Cabinet, Roque said he has no close interaction with anyone during the Dumaguete event.
"Pag public event, hindi naman ako bumubulong-bulong (When it's a public event, I don't get close and whisper into another person's ear). I try to keep my distance also," he said.
After the event in Dumaguete, Roque traveled to Laoag City, Ilocos Norte Friday, to witness the vaccine rollout in the province. He also conducted a press briefing along with testing czar Vivencio Dizon, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc and other local officials.