Roque says he tested negative for COVID-19

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday that he tested negative for COVID-19.

“I am pleased to announce that the results of my RT-PCR test conducted yesterday in Taguig City yielded a negative result,” Roque said.

Even with the negative result, Roque said he would still undergo the mandatory rapid test prior to the meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte later Wednesday.

“As a precautionary measure, I will stay at the farthest end of the room and will apply the health protocol of wearing a mask, keeping distance and sanitizing and washing of my hands,” the Palace spokesman added.

Also on Wednesday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, whose staff member got infected with the virus, also said his COVID-19 test came back negative. 

Roque took the test a day before Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar announced that he contracted the virus.

The Palace spokesperson said he was with Villar last week for the signing of the contract regarding the construction of two new segments of the CAVITEx-C5 Link Expressway. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News