DOH clarifies pre-symptomatic different from asymptomatic

The DOH clarified on Friday that pre-symptomatic individuals, who test positive but do not yet show symptoms, are different from asymptomatic carriers.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated there is no substantial evidence of asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19.

Senators criticized Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for claiming there's no proof that asymptomatic carriers can spread the virus, citing WHO reports suggesting the possibility of asymptomatic transmission.

Duque maintained in a Senate hearing that the WHO has not documented any cases of asymptomatic transmission but did not exclude the possibility.