PBBM tests positive for Covid-19

FILE: Among President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directives to the member of his Cabinet are to work for a more streamlined bureaucracy and for the departments and agencies to move quickly. Here, he answers questions from reporters during a press briefing at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang, Tuesday, July 5, 2022. ROBINSON NIÑAL

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang announced Friday.

Marcos, whose antigen test result showed he is Covid-19 positive, has a slight fever, Press Secretary Beatrix Rose “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace press briefing.

“The President has tested positive in an antigen test for Covid-19. He has a slight fever but he is otherwise okay,” she said.

Presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, who was exposed to his father, tested negative for Covid-19, Cruz-Angeles said.

Cruz-Angeles said First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and the two other presidential sons, William Vincent and Joseph Simon are out of town and have not been exposed to the President.

The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) already informed Marcos’ close contacts and advised them to self-monitor for Covid-19 symptoms.

Cruz-Angeles said she, along with Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez and other PMS personnel who were considered close contacts have also tested negative for Covid-19.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, who joined Cruz-Angeles in the press briefing, said Marcos would have to undergo isolation for seven days from the time he tested positive for Covid-19.

“After that, if his symptoms have resolved already, he may be able to go back to work and have his face-to-face activities,” she said.

Since Marcos is symptomatic, the result of the antigen test is already considered “accurate,” Vergeire said.

Virtual attendance

Following the latest development, Rodriguez attended the morning’s briefing on “matters of security” on behalf of Marcos, Cruz-Angeles said.

Cruz-Angeles said Marcos would also not be able to attend the celebration of the 246th anniversary of the United States (US) Independence at the US Embassy scheduled Friday.

However, Marcos will have a virtual participation in the meeting of the Leagues of Governors and Mayors who will tackle the continuing campaign for the government’s Covid-19 vaccination drive, Cruz-Angeles said.

“This is part of the continuing campaign for a series of vaccinations and booster shots in preparation for the face-to-face opening of classes this school year,” she said. “The President encourages the public to get their vaccine series and boosters.”