DOH Sec. Duque tests negative for COVID-19

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has tested negative for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Yes!" Duque himself said in a text message sent to GMA News Online on Sunday when asked if his test result turned up negative.

Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also confirmed the news on Sunday.

“Lumabas na po ang kanyang resulta kagabi at ito po ay negatibo,” Vergeire said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV.

Duque went on self-quarantine on Thursday and worked from home.

Vergeire earlier said that although Duque did not exhibit any symptoms, he was tested for COVID-19 since he is asthmatic and hypertensive.

On Tuesday, the DOH said one of its directors tested positive for COVID-19.

"DOH assures its employees that their safety and health is a top priority. Offices have been disinfected and close contacts informed so that they can immediately undergo home quarantine and strict monitoring," it said then. —KG, GMA News