Bongbong Marcos tests positive for COVID-19 anew

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 8) — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. tested positive for COVID-19 through an antigen test conducted Friday, press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced.

In a briefing, Cruz-Angeles said that Marcos has a slight fever. She noted that those who had close contact with him, including her and Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, have negative results via antigen test.

Marcos will not be able to attend Friday's celebration he US Embassy of the 246th independence anniversary of the United States, the press secretary added. He will, however, deliver a speech virtually in the evening during the meeting of the leagues of governors and mayors.

Meanwhile, Department of Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said Marcos will have to isolate for seven days and can physically go back to work only if he has no symptoms.

It is not yet clear when Marcos started manifesting COVID-19 symptoms. He met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday and led the oath taking of some newly appointed officials on Thursday.

In a message to reporters this afternoon, the Chinese Embassy said Wang Yi’s delegation just learned about the news. The Chinese minister flew to Indonesia from Manila late Wednesday afternoon for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Marcos first tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020.