MANILA, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade tested negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), his department said Sunday.
“This is to inform everyone that the test results for COVID-19 conducted on Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade turned out NEGATIVE,” DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said in a statement.
“But in compliance (with) the protocols set by the Department of Health, he will take precautionary measures seriously while working for the benefit of the country,” she added.
Tugade subjected himself to self-quarantine after interacting with a COVID-19 positive person during a March 5 event in Caloocan.
Other government officials who attended the event and underwent self-quarantine were Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.