Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar confirmed Friday night, Jan. 7, that he tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a Twitter post, Dar informed the public that he underwent quarantine while experiencing mild symptoms.
“I wish to inform the public that I tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms and currently recovering while in quarantine,” he announced.
“I will continue to discharge my duties and responsibilities in the Department of Agriculture. Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much),” the agricultural chief added.
The country has recorded rapidly rising number of new cases since the holiday break.
On Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) logged 21,819 new cases in just 24 hours.