Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte to be tested for coronavirus

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was due to be tested for Covid-19 after exposure to coronavirus patients, his spokesman said on Thursday, as a number of top government officials began self-quarantine.

Although he did not have symptoms, Duterte was scheduled to be tested for Covid-19 after being exposed to an official who tested positive for the virus last week, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

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Nine cabinet members, five legislators and three mayors began self-quarantine on Thursday after also being exposed to a patient who tested positive.

A 67-year-old Filipino woman became the second person to die in the Philippines after being infected with the new coronavirus, the country’s health department said Wednesday night. (dpa)