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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Palace: Duterte's visitors undergo rapid test for COVID-19

Palace: Duterte's visitors undergo rapid test for COVID-19

Published Apr 15, 2020 12:00 am
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos Malacañang said those seeking an audience with President Duterte in the Palace are required to undergo a rapid test for COVID-19 to protect the Chief Executive from the disease. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN) (PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Returning Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. tweeted that he was negative for COVID-19 after undergoing a rapid test as a pre-condition before entering Malacañang. In an interview, Roque said it was just a step so the President will not contract the disease that has already infected 5,453 Filipinos and claimed the lives of 349. "It is used for those who will see the President as a precaution," he said. "Yun lang may audience sa President. Siyempre (It's only for those who have an audience with him. Obviously) it's to protect the President," he added. Despite this, Roque said that no one was allowed to approach President Duterte. "No cabinet member can actually go next to the President nowadays. Mayroon (There is a) cordon, you cannot cross the velvet cordon," he said. Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Col. Jesus P. Durante III also confirmed the rapid test being conducted on Duterte's visitors, in addition to existing medical assessments and stringent measures being enforced by the PSG. "PSG requires everyone who goes near PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) to undergo regular screening procedures which include rapid testing to detect COVID-19 infection," he said in a statement. "The procedure exempts nobody and is even administered to high ranking government officials, PSG troopers, and close-in personnel who always accompany the President." According to Durante, the rapid tests are administered by PSG Task Force COVID's medical team and are different from the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test kits administered by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) and its affiliates. However, Durante said those who test positive for COVID-19 are still subject to confirmation through RT-PCR tests. "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. "PSG does not claim that the results of the rapid tests are definite and absolute. It is still subject to confirmation through RT-PCR tests administered by RITM."
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