Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) — President Rodrigo Duterte will address local officials amid the coronavirus disease pandemic, his spokesman said Thursday.
The President met with the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases earlier Thursday evening.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was not physically present in the meeting since he is under home quarantine. Duque is currently working from home, the Department of Health confirmed Thursday, as they await the results of his COVID-19 test.
The country’s health chief is currently not exhibiting red-flag symptoms of COVID-19 infection, Health spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire said, but he has asthma and hypertension. Earlier, a DOH director tested positive for COVID-19.
Duterte presided over the task force meeting again, three days after he approved its resolution to place the entire Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine.”
The task force has been meeting this week and updating the public with the guidelines as the government restricts movement in the island region to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Philippines now has 217 COVID-19 cases, with 17 deaths and seven recoveries. To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover their mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who exhibit virus symptoms.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo did not give further details except that the address will begin soon and will be aired as recorded. The President met with the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases earlier Thursday evening.
