Health Secretary Duque placed on self-quarantine

MANILA, Philippines (Updated on March 20 at 11:26 a.m.) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III is on self-quarantine for possible novel coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission, Health Undersecretary Rosette Vergeire confirmed on Thursday morning. 

Though he is asymptomatic or not showing any symptoms, the health chief is working from home for the time being. 

"He has already been tested for COVID 19 test as he is asthmatic and hypertensive," Vergeire said. 

The Department of Health and World Health Organizaton have said that the elderly and immunocompromised—those who are already sick—are more at risk of the virus. 

Last Tuesday night, the department reported that one of its senior officials, a director, tested positive for the new pathogen. 

They said that all measures had been taken to address the development, including a disinfecting of their offices.

In good condition but vulnerable

On Friday moring, March 20, Vergeire said the health secretary was in good condition.

"We have regular communication with him through teleconference and phone calls," she said, though no updates were mentioned on the results of his tests.

"The president interacted with Duque. We have initial contact and second, third layer contacts and so on," she added in Filipino.

The health undersecretary pointed out that Duque besides his history of asthma and high blood and he is part of the elderly population.

Vergeire also said that the president would be tested again and advised to self-quarantine should Health Secretary Francisco Duque III test positive for the virus.