Filipino seafarer with 2019-nCoV responding ‘positively’ to treatment

MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino crew member of a Japanese cruise ship infected by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is responding “positively” to treatment, an official from the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo said.

Robespierre Bolivar, the embassy’s deputy chief of mission, on Friday said the Filipino has already been moved out of the ship currently docked off a port in Yokohama and transferred to a hospital.

“Siya po ay inalis na sa barko at dinala na po ng mga Japanese authorities sa hospital so ngayon. Naga-undergo po siya ng tests and treatment po. Everyday naman po makakakuha tayo ng update tungkol sa kanyang condition,” Bolivar said in an interview on dzMM.

(The Filipino crew member has been moved out of the ship and transferred to a hospital by Japanese authorities. He is undergoing tests and treatment. We are getting updates about his condition daily.)

“Ngayon po, mukhang nagre-respond naman po positively dun sa treatment,” he added.

(Right now, he seems to be responding to the treatment positively).

The Filipino crew member was among the first 10 people who tested positive for the 2019-nCoV.

READ: Filipino crew member of Japan cruise ship tests positive for nCoV

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said that there are 538 Filipinos on board the ship, mostly crew members.

Bolivar said the the Filipinos and others aboard the ship are still under quarantine.

“Naka-quarantine po sila, 14-days. Hindi po sila maaaring umalis sa kanilang mga quarters pero ang Japanese authorities po, araw-araw po nagdadala dun ng pagkain at mga ibang supplies ng pangangailangan nila,” he said.

(They are under a 14-day quarantine. They are not allowed to leave their quarters but Japanese authorities regularly bring food and other basic needs to them).

“May contact din po sa amin ang mga ibang Pilipino nating kasama doon at  kung meron po silang mga concern, pinapaalam naman po sa amin at kami po ang nagpapaalam sa Japanese government para maaksyonan po yung mga concerns nila,” he added.

(The Filipinos aboard the ship also have contact with the embassy, so if they have concerns, they let us know and we are the ones who inform the Japanese government so their concerns can be addressed).

Bolivar, meanwhile, said the embassy has not yet received reports of any cases of the virus among the Filipino community in Japan.

There are currently 300,000 Filipinos across Japan, he said.

“Wala naman po tayong nababalitaan na may affected po sa land-based Filipinos po natin dito,” he added.

(We have not yet received reports that any land-based Filipinos here are affected).

Bolivar advised Filipinos living in or visiting Japan to observe proper hygiene.

He also reminded Filipinos to shun unofficial sources of information online.

“Wag po tayong magpapadala sa basta information na nakita natin sa internet. Humanap po tayo ng official sources, mga trusted sources,” he said.

(Don’t believe unverified information that you just see online. Look for official and trusted sources).