MANILA, March 9 (Xinhua) -- The Presidential Security Group (PSG) of the Philippines said on Monday that it will implement a "no-touch" policy on President Rodrigo Duterte to ensure his safety amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
"PSG will strictly implement preventive measures against the virus to ensure the safety of (the 74-year-old president) and the first family," PSG commander Colonel Jesus Durante said in a statement sent to reporters.
Durante said people who are expected to get near Duterte especially during meetings and events will be thoroughly screened and tested for any illness related to COVID-19, including PSG personnel, politicians, and dignitaries.
"Large crowd gatherings with Duterte as guest of honor and speaker shall be assessed and could be canceled not only for his safety but also for the attendees," Durante added.
He said all established health protocols and preventive measures are continuously in effect to all PSG personnel and the whole Malacanang presidential palace complex.
Durante added the PSG imposed the policy after the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) raised the COVID-19 alert system to code red sub-level 1 on Saturday after more cases were detected.
The DOH reported on Sunday evening four new confirmed COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 10.
