Cabinet looking for alternative ways to communicate amid COVID-19 threat — Medialdea

Members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s official family are looking for alternative ways to communicate to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease after some Cabinet members have gone on self-quarantine.

“We just have to stay away from each other. Telepono na lang, text-text. Naghahanap kami ng sistema na puwede kami mag- teleconferencing,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said in a phone interview with reporters on Thursday.

The top Palace official also said there could be a reduction of government activities to lower the risk of exposure to the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has infected 49 people in the Philippines as of Wednesday.

“You have to restrain your movements, maraming activities – konti na lang ngayon ‘di tulad dati,” he said.

Medialdea is among several government officials who opted to undergo a 14-day quarantine following exposure to a person who tested positive for the virus.

The other administration officials are Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon, Education Secretary Leonor Briones and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

President Rodrigo Duterte has also decided to have himself tested for COVID-19 even as his spokesperson Salvador Panelo clarified that the chief executive has not displayed any symptoms of the illness such as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

In a statement, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) reiterated the measures they have implemented to protect Duterte from the virus.

“For the events attended by the President, our medical teams conduct initial testing for the guests who are expected to be near him,” the PSG said.

“President Duterte’s movement have also been lessened during his engagements just to prevent him from being contracted with the virus.”

However, Duterte said it was part of his job as president to shake hands with the people. — RSJ, GMA News