DoH: Filipino repatriates from cruise ship test negative for Covid-19
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2020 11:29:49 +0000
ALL 445 Filipino repatriates from the M/V Diamond Princess tested negative for the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19), but the Department of Health (DoH) on Wednesday said it was considering the possibility that the repatriates may exhibit symptoms of the virus after the 14-day period.
“As observed in other countries, there is still a possibility that our nationals may eventually test positive upon their return,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque 3rd during a briefing in Manila.
The DoH said, however, that it was prepared should the need arise.
“We have prepared and equipped our hospitals and laboratory facilities, and allocated all necessary resources should this happen — so we are ready, just in case,” Duque said.
Recent reports from Wuhan, China — the epicenter of the respiratory disease — suggested that the incubation period of the new coronavirus could last up to 27 days.
The DoH said it was still using the 14-day incubation period, in line with the World Health Organization’s guideline, but said it would update its prescribed quarantine procedure if needed.
The DoH said it would use 21 hospitals in Central Luzon or Region 3 should any repatriate exhibit the symptoms of the respiratory disease.
“We have mobilized about 21 hospitals within Region 3 para tulungan tayo kung sakaling may repatriate na magkaroon ng sintomas (We have mobilized about 21 hospitals within Region 3 to help us in case there will be repatriates who will show symptoms),” said Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
The DoH also said it would buy 19,000 test kits to be used on the repatriates who would exhibit symptoms.
The returnees were flown by Philippine Airlines in two batches of 309 passengers at 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, and 136 at 12:12 a.m. on Wednesday.
They are currently in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, where they would be assessed twice daily while they undergo the prescribed 14-day quarantine.
Filipino tourists are now barred from entering South Korea, as ordered by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duque said.
The government also restricted the entry of passengers from North Gyeongsang Province, which include Daegu City and Cheongdo County, effective immediately. JOHN ERIC MENDOZA