Duterte won’t be on quarantine despite interaction with now-isolated Duque

In this March 11, 2020, photo provided by the Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, second from left, looks at documents, beside cabinet members, from left, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo, Senator Bong Go and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III at the Malacanang Palace, Manila, Philippines. (Albert Alcain/ Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division via AP)

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to work and not undergo self-quarantine despite interaction with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

But, Duterte’s long-time aid and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said, the President will be monitored by a doctor as Duque is currently in isolation for having been exposed to a person infected with COVID-19.

“Not yet. Trabaho pa din (He’s still working),” Go said in a message when asked if the President would undergo self-quarantine.

“Pero siyempre monitored siya ng doc[tor] (But he will be monitored by a doctor),” Go added.

Go said he, too, would not subject himself to self-quarantine even if he and the President had a number of interactions with Duque during the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases meeting on Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo confirmed in a text message that he is also not under self-quarantine.

Duque placed himself under quarantine after interacting with a senior official from the Department of Health (DOH) was found positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, however, said Duque is not exhibiting any symptoms of the disease. She also said the health chief has already been tested for COVID-19.

Health officials have so far recorded 202 cases of COVID-19 in the country, of which 17 have died.

KGA