Chief of presidential security tests negative for COVID-19

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MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Col. Jesus Durante III has tested negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Malacañang confirmed Monday.

“The Office of the President confirms that the Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), Colonel Jesus P. Durante III PA (GSC), also tested negative after undergoing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing together with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence Go,” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

President Rodrigo Durante and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go were also tested for COVID-19, and both yielded negative results.

Panelo said Durante will continue to protect the President and members of his family against any expoure to COVID-19.

Durante will also be “implementing measures against infection among those who may be in contact with them, such as PSG personnel, Malacañang officials and employees and their visitors,” Panelo added.

Cabinet members who earlier subjected themselves to self-quarantine also tested negative for COVID-19.

They are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

To date, the country has recorded 140 confirmed cases of COVID-19, a respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus that first emerged in China’s city of Wuhan in Hubei province in late 2019.

Of the number, the Department of Health said 12 have died.