Filipina diplomat in New York tests positive for COVID-19: DFA

March 13, 2020

A young woman diplomat with the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York has tested positive for the novel coronavirus ( COVID-19), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

 In his twitter account, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said the diplomat, whom he described as “spritely” and “smart”, is doing well and taking doctor-prescribed medicines.

The Filipina diplomat was tested positive on Thursday after celebrating her birthday with friends and had just returned from Florida.

Reports showed she was last seen at the UN headquarters on Monday.

The Philippine Consulate in New York has suspended all its operations “until further notice.”

Consul General Claro Cristobal said all consulate officers and staff will undergo self-quarantine.

“The Consulate will work closely with concerned authorities to facilitate the resumption of its operations,” Cristobal said in a statement.

All transactions at the Consulate are temporarily transferred to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., a three-hour drive from New York City. DMS