MMDA's Pialago says she tested negative for COVID-19

Spokesperson Celine Pialago of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Friday announced that she tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"I started to have colds, dry cough, and other flu-like symptoms during the first three days of my quarantine," Pialago said in a Facebook post.

"Since COVID symptoms are flu-like, I requested for a COVID test, and the result thankfully was negative," she added.

Pialago went on self-quarantine last March 23 after being informed that she had direct contact with an infected person during an official meeting.

She said she had to undergo the test not only for herself but also to inform and ensure the safety of the people who had been in close contact with her from March 18 to 22.

"Rest assured that even if I am negative for COVID, my staff and I will continue to self-quarantine," she said.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia, on the other hand, tested positive for the virus. —Dona Magsino/LBG, GMA News