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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Duterte undergoes today COVID-19 test

Duterte undergoes today COVID-19 test

Published Mar 12, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling Amid the escalating cases of infections in the country, President Duterte is ready to undergo testing for the new coronavirus disease on Thursday to ensure that he remains fit and healthy to serve the country. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(ALBERT ALCAIN/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Senator Christopher Go announced that the President has not shown symptoms but will still take the coronavirus test as a precaution. Go, the President’s former aide, has also agreed to have himself tested for the new coronavirus disease. “President Duterte and I will undergo testing for COVID-19. We are not doing this because we have symptoms of COVID-19. We are doing this to ensure that we are fit and healthy to engage the public and perform our duties in the coming days and weeks. As always, the President and I remain ready to serve and die for the Filipino people,” he said early Thursday morning. “Considering that some Cabinet members we engage with regularly have been exposed to individuals who were tested positive of COVID-19 and have decided to undergo self-quarantine, it is just prudent for us to take precautionary measures in compliance with the advice of our health officials,” he added. The President held a closed-door meeting with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, and other top officials on efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Health authorities earlier confirmed that another patient died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Manila. It is the second coronavirus-related fatality in the country. The President had earlier decided to postpone his planned visit to Boracay on Thursday over the coronavirus outbreak. Duterte was originally scheduled to attend events related to promoting domestic tourism as well as agrarian reform program in Boracay. “In light of the recent developments and after careful review of the situation concerning the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will not proceed to Boracay Island on Thursday, March 12, as earlier scheduled,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said. Panelo said the President’s visit to Boracay would be moved to a later date. Some cabinet members meantime have expressed readiness to undergo self-quarantine after they interacted with persons who have the flu-like disease. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade reportedly are willing to place themselves under quarantine as a precaution against the coronavirus.
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