BSP governor Diokno takes COVID-19 test

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno on Friday said he had himself test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after getting exposed to an infected person last week.

"Done. A few hours ago,” Diokno told GMA News Online.

The central bank chief he expects the results to be out Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.

“If found negative, I can go back to office on Wednesday,” he said.

The BSP chief might also attend the Monetary Board meeting on March 19, Thursday. The policy-setting body will decide on whether it will slash or maintain interest rates to arrest the inflationary impact of the COVID-19.

To recall, Diokno announced he went on self-quarantine, along with other Cabinet officials, after he was possibly exposed to a person who tested positive for the disease. 

"I'll go on self-quarantine because I was in the NLEx inspection ceremony with Secretaries Dominguez and Tugade last Thursday and was in a wake with Secretary Dominguez last Saturday," he said in a mobile message.

He was referring to the inspection of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link C3-R10 section last week, which was also attended by President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Thought it's best to go on self-quarantine to be on the safe side. But I'm well, perfectly well," said Diokno. —NB, GMA News