By ANALOU DE VERA
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III tested negative for the novel coronavirus disease-2019.
“Negative ang COVID-19 test result for Secretary Duque. He is OK,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said yesterday.
Vergeire said they received the test result last Saturday and added that her boss is working at home. “The Secretary of Health is still working at home. Siya po ay nasa maayos na condition. Wala po siyang nararamdaman na sintomas,” she said.
Duque last Thursday said that he was undergoing home quarantine after he had direct contact with a Derpartment of Health official who tested positive for COVID-19.
PALACE GLAD
Malacañang is glad that Duque tested negative for COVID-19.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duque will continue to work as the country’s Health chief but will complete his two-week quarantine.
“We are glad to know about that. He will continue with his work as one of the front liners,” Panelo said. “He never stopped working even when he started his quarantine. As part of the medical protocol he will finish the 14-day quarantine,” he added.
Duque is the latest Cabinet member to be declared coronavirus-free. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Domingue III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, and Education Secretary Leonor Briones had earlier tested negative for the coronavirus.
