A member of the Presidential Security Group that works closely to protect President Rodrigo Duterte has tested positive for coronavirus, the commander of the group confirmed.
The said security aide had no close contact with the president, and not part of his close-in security. He has also recovered, said PSG commander Jesus Durante.
“PSG Compound and Malacañang complex remain to be safe and secured for the President and the first family,” Durante said in a statement.
So far, 90 members of the PSG have been tested for coronavirus using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR, considered to be the gold standard in testing for the virus that causes COVID-19.
Since March 17, 160 PSG members have been quarantined after testing positive for coronavirus antibodies. Most have been released after 14 days, showing no symptoms and testing negative for the new coronavirus.
Malacañang has then toughened protocols for those meeting with Duterte, requiring anyone who would go close to the president to first undergo a rapid antibody test.
