PRESIDENT Duterte underwent testing on Thursday to determine if he was infected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Duterte together with Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” T. Go went through the screening after it was reported that some of his Cabinet members may have been exposed to a government official, who tested positive for Covid-19 infection earlier this month.
Other members of the Cabinet, who underwent self-quarantine due to possible exposure to a Covid-19 positive patient include Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez; Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade; Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones; and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado.
Go underwent the testing after it was reported that a source person, who attended a Senate hearing, also tested positive for Covid-19.
In a press statement, Presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said Duterte did not exhibit any symptom related to Covid-19, such as coughing and fever, but the Chief Executive and Go decided to take the test as precaution.
“They are undertaking this preemptive 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,” Duterte said.
The result of the test is expected to be released after two days.
In response to the possible exposure of Duterte to Covid-19, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) announced all of the Chief Executive’s foreign travels, especially to those countries with confirmed cases of the disease, have been suspended.
Image credits: Office of Senator Bong Go via AP