Trade chief Lopez tests positive for coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines — Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez announced Wednesday that he tested positive for the new coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a message to reporters, Lopez said he got tested on Sunday after he was exposed to a person who tested positive. He said his test results were released Monday.

“Am asymptomatic naman but am on full isolation already,” he said.

Lopez said he has been under quarantine since last week upon finding out that he had an exposure to a COVID-19-positive individual.

“So sa dami kong test, puro negative, eto first time, nagpositive. Pero last week, noong may exposure, nag-isolate na ako. So tinutuloy ko na,” he said.

(I had many tests which were negative and for the first time, I tested positive. Last week, when I found out I was exposed, I already isolated myself. I’m just continuing it.)

The trade chief also assured he had no recent contact with President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lopez is the fourth Cabinet member of Duterte to contract the virus after Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar,  and Education Secretary Leonor Briones, who all have already recovered.

JE