PSG requires COVID-19 rapid testing for anyone seeking to meet Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — As health precaution, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has required anyone, including officials, seeking to meet President Rodrigo Duterte to undergo rapid testing for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“PSG requires everyone who goes near PRRD to undergo regular screening procedures which includes rapid testing to detect COVID19 infection,” PSG Commander Jesus Durante III said Wednesday in a statement.

Durante said nobody is exempted from the procedure, even high-ranking government officials, PSG, and close-in personnel.

“Those found positive during the rapid tests will not be allowed to enter the facility. Much more if the concerned party manifests fever and other symptoms related to COVID-19,” he said.

Rapid testing is administered by PSG’s medical team. Durante stressed the procedure is different from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test done by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

“PSG does not claim that the results of the rapid tests are definite and absolute. It is still subject for confirmation through RT-PCR tests administered by RITM,” Durante noted.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin earlier said he tested negative for COVID-19 after undergoing a rapid test before entering Malacañang.