PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte will be tested for the novel coronavirus amid rising cases of infection in Metro Manila, the presidential palace said on Thursday.

Mr. Duterte and his former aide, Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, will take the test to ensure they are fit, his spokesman Salvador S. Panelo told reporters.

“They have opted to undergo the test to ensure that they are fit and healthy to perform their duties as government workers,” Mr. Panelo said.

Both had been advised by health officials to take the test because they had been in contact with Cabinet officials, some of whom opted to undergo self-quarantine after being exposed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, Mr. Panelo said.

Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, Finance Secretary Arthur G. Dominguez III, Education Secretary Leonor M. Briones, Public Works Secretary Mark A. Villar, Socioeconomic Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia, and central bank Governor Benjamin E. Diokno were also under self-quarantine.

All had attended events where some patients who later tested positive for COVID-19 were also present.

Mr. Duterte’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, was also on self-quarantine.

Mr. Duterte on Wednesday received Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian during a call at the palace. On Wednesday evening, Mr. Duterte shook hands and welcomed newly appointed officials from the Armed Forces and Philippine National Police during a ceremony.

But Mr. Duterte’s scheduled visit to Boracay island was canceled on Thursday amid COVID-19 fears.

The World Health Organization has said older people who have underlying conditions were more at risk. — Gillian M. Cortez

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