Duque tests negative for Covid-19

Duque has been on home quarantine since Thursday. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has tested negative for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), an official of the Department of Health (DOH) said Sunday.

“Si Secretary po ay nasa maayos na kundisyon at siya po ay nagtatrabaho pa rin, kakakausap lang namin sa kanya kanina. Lumabas na po ang kanyang resulta para sa Covid-19 kagabi kung saan po ito ay (The secretary is in good condition and he’s still working, we’ve just talked to him earlier. His test result for Covid-19 was released last night and it is) negative,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during the Laging Handa public briefing.

On March 19, Vergeire reported that Duque has been tested for Covid-19 and underwent home quarantine because he is asthmatic and hypertensive.

Duque has been on home quarantine since Thursday.

The DOH earlier said offices have been disinfected and close contacts were informed so that they can immediately undergo home quarantine and strict monitoring.