KINUMPIRMA ng Palasyo na isasailalim sa pagsusuri sa coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) si Pangulong Duterte matapos namang makasalamuha ang ilang opisyal ng Gabinete na nakaharap ang isa sa mga pasyenteng nagpositibo sa deadly virus.
Sinabi ni Presidential Spokesperson at Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo na kasama si Senator Christopher “Bong” Go sa gagamitan ng testing kit para sa COVID-19.
“While PRRD and Senator Go do not have the symptoms of the virus, they have opted to undergo the test to ensure that they are fit and healthy to perform their duties as government workers,” sabi ni Panelo.
Kabilang sa mga sinasabing nakahalubilo ng nagpositibo sa COVID-19 ay sina Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade at Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez.
“They are undertaking this pre-emptive step as per advice of health officials given that they have regularly engaged with Cabinet officials, some of whom have opted to undergo self-quarantine as they were exposed to those infected with COVID-19,” dagdag ni Panelo.
Sinabi ni Panelo na magpupulong ngayong araw ang Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases para talakayin ang “disturbing development vis-à-vis the COVID-19”.
“The Palace urges the public to observe and practice the protocols on personal hygiene and social distancing established by the DOH to help contain the disease. The Palace also reiterates its appeal to our countrymen to stay calm yet vigilant, as well as not to believe or spread any false information on COVID-19,” dagdag ni Panelo.
“The Office of the President hereby gives warning to those hoarding vital commodities, which create a hike in the prices, as well as selling them beyond their regular prices, that their actions will be dealt with accordingly in pursuance of public safety and order. Those who unscrupulously take advantage of the health crisis will also be arrested and dealt with in accordance with law,” babala pa ni Panelo.