Marcos, Philippine delegation tested for COVID-19 in Beijing

BEIJING—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the entire Philippine delegation on his state visit here were tested for COVID-19 upon their arrival on Tuesday night.

According to the Office of the Press Secretary, Marcos had his RT PCR test upon arrival at his hotel.

Marcos will also take another test before he meets with Chinese officials on January 4.

The COVID tests are part of the protocol of the Chinese government as infections continue to surge in China.

Among the members of the Philippine media covering the visit, only television network cameramen will be allowed to cover some of the events. Other events will not be open to the media.

A media center for reporters will be opened within the hotel premises, and their food will be delivered to them inside their hotel rooms.  So far, they are not allowed to leave the hotel.

China is experiencing a spike in infections after years of harsh zero-COVID restrictions were loosened in December. The World Health Organization was set to meet with its government on Tuesday, seeking detailed data on viral sequencing and circulating variants in China.

The Chinese government had ensured that arrangements were made to guarantee Marcos' safety as well as that of his entire delegation. —NB, GMA Integrated News