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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Palace: Duterte advised to test for COVID-19

Palace: Duterte advised to test for COVID-19

Published Mar 12, 2020 12:00 am
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Malacañang confirmed on Thursday that President Duterte, following the advice of health officials, will undergo testing for the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) to ensure that he is fit to perform his duties. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo (OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo confirmed that Duterte and his long-time aide Senator Bong Go will have themselves tested for the disease despite not showing any symptoms. "While PRRD and Senator Go do not have the symptoms of the virus, they have opted to undergo the test to ensure that they are fit and healthy to perform their duties as government workers," he said Thursday morning. "They are undertaking this pre-emptive step as per advice of health officials given that they have regularly engaged with Cabinet officials, some of whom have opted to undergo self-quarantine as they were exposed to those infected with COVID-19," he added. Panelo said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases will meet March 12 to discuss urgent measures that will be undertaken to respond to the recent disturbing development on the COVID-19. Two members of President Duterte's Cabinet decided to undergo self-quarantine after they interacted with people who have the viral disease. Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon will also be on self-quarantine as a precautionary measure, following exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID-19. Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay have also decided to go on self-quarantine after finding out that one of the resource persons at a Senate hearing on March 5 tested positive for COVID-19. Both Malacañang's main palace and the Senate will be closed for disinfection Thursday. The Department of Health (DOH) announced that the number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines reached 49 Wednesday. It also confirmed that patient number 35 died on the same day. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared the COVID-19 a pandemic, saying it was now a crisis that will touch every sector. The WHO pointed out that there were already 118,000 cases of the disease in over 110 countries Wednesday. Read more: Duterte undergoes today COVID-19 test
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