MANILA, Philippines — Public Works Secretary Mark Villar will also undergo self-quarantine after interacting with a patient positive for the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday.
Anna Mae Lamentillo, DPWH media relations officer, confirmed the development but added that Villar is in good shape.
“Sec. Villar is not exhibiting any symptoms. We are just being prudent,” she said in a text message.
Other government officials who will undergo self-quarantine are Senator Nancy Binay, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte -Carpio.
To date, the Philippines has 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two deaths.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China in late 2019.