The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Friday that a female Filipino diplomat tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the United States.

DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Menez disclosed that the diplomat positive of the virus was from the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York. Meantime, necessary health and safety protocols have been implemented.

Menez said a decision has been reached to shut down the Philippine Center in New York where several Philippine government offices are housed, including the Philippine mission.

He also said that the Philippine Center on 5th avenue was shut down for disinfecting processes and several personnel are on self-quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate General in New York also suspended its consular operations.