DAVAO CITY— President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Bong Go will get tested for the novel coronavirus disease or COVID-19, Go in statetement said.
The statement added “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 weeka. As always, the President and I remain ready to serve and die for the Filipino people.”
The decision to undergo test followed after “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 decision to undergo testing was decided after some Cabinet members and senators have gone on self-quarantine due to exposures.
Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Jesus Durante III said Malacañan Palace would be closed down for disinfection, particularly areas frequented by Duterte.
Duterte’s scheduled visit to Boracay to promote local tourism on March 12 has been postponed due to the rise in the number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19),
As of Wednesday, the DOH confirmed 49 positive cases of Covid-19 in the country and its first Filipino fatality, a 67-year-old woman without any travel history or exposure to the disease.
The Philippines is now under a state of public health emergency after the health department reported the first known local transmission.
The Covid-19 outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China, has killed more than 4,200 people and infected over 119,000 worldwide.
