Palace guests tested for virus before meeting the President

MANILA, Philippines — Officials and guests scheduled to meet with President Duterte in Malacañang have to undergo a rapid testing for the new coronavirus, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Wednesday.

“The precaution … [is meant] to protect the President given that it’s not expensive,” Roque said, adding that the test is similar to the pregnancy test, or the fasting blood sugar test.

The health department has not approved rapid testing because of the possibility of it yielding false negatives, but Roque said if the test showed a positive result, the individual is most likely positive. Aside from rapid testing, physical distancing from the President is the norm in Malacañang, the Palace official said.

“No Cabinet member can actually go next to the President nowadays; there is a cordon. You cannot cross the velvet cordon,” Roque said.