Duque, other DOH personnel undergo self-quarantine

March 19, 2020

Health Secretary Franciso Duque III is undergoing self quarantine after he was exposed to a health department official, who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). 

"I'll be working from home for now, for 14 days. I will continue to give orders to my entire DOH (Department of Health), which connects to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases," said Duque in a radio interview Thursday.

"One of my directors ( in the central office) tested positive (for COVID-19)," said Duque. 

Duque said he has been asymptomatic, although he has colds that may have been triggered by his allergies. 

"I don't actually have colds, maybe just a mild one... probably caused by my allergy," he said. 

Duque admitted  other DOH officials and personnel are also undergoing quarantine, either in a medical facility or at home. 

"I know they are under quarantine. But I don't know if they are at home or in a facility. These are the close contacts," said Duque. 

Duque said he underwent testing for COVID-19 and results may ''come out in a few days.'' DMS