Coronavirus Pandemic
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte of Philippines, on Monday, went into isolation to keep him safe from COVID-19, his spokesman, Harry Roque, said after a cabinet member tested positive for the virus. Roque said Duterte will also undergo regular swab tests.
“He is in perpetual isolation, in the sense that the presidential security group has done a very good job in making sure that no one really comes close to the president.
“He has also been complaining of the repeated swabs to his nose,” Roque said.
Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano, announced he had tested positive for the coronavirus and was experiencing flu-like symptoms including a sore throat and body aches.
Ano said he had gone into self-quarantine, and other cabinet members who were in close contact with him had also gone into isolation. However, Duterte had not been in close contact with Ano.
On Monday, the Philippines’ total coronavirus infections stood at 164,474 after the Department of Health reported 3,314 additional cases. The death toll was at 2,681, rose by 18.
The capital region of Metro Manila and four surrounding provinces were placed under lockdown again until Aug. 18, due to spike in COVID-19 infections. However, restrictions had been eased in a bid to boost the economy. (dpa/NAN)
– Aug. 17, 2020 @ 11:39 GMT |
Tags: Duterte in isolation to guard against COVID-19 – Aide
