DND chief tests negative anew for Covid-19

Lorenzana had a swab testing on Tuesday as a result of this contact and placed himself in self-quarantine for the second time, the first time being on March 27 when he came into contact with Armed Forces chief Gen. Felimon Santos, who earlier tested positive for Covid-19. (Photo: Department of National Defense – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – A day after placing himself on self-quarantine after one of his staff tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 ( Covid-19), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said he tested negative for the disease.

“Dear everyone, My test came out negative. Thanks for the prayers,” he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana’s move came after his aide, Col. Rolly Nerona, tested positive for Covid-19 after undergoing swab testing last July 10.

Nerona was with the DND chief during the July 10 commissioning of missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal and the July 13 visit to troops in Sulu.

Nerona learned that he was positive for the disease upon landing in Jolo.

Lorenzana had a swab testing on Tuesday as a result of this contact and placed himself in self-quarantine for the second time, the first time being on March 27 when he came into contact with Armed Forces chief Gen. Felimon Santos, who earlier tested positive for Covid-19.

He later tested negative on the disease on March 31 but was advised by his doctors to continue with his quarantine until April 6.