COVID-19 UPDATE. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III says the repatriated overseas Filipinos (OFs) -- 440 crew members and five tourists -- from M/V Diamond Princess Cruise Ship from Japan underwent stringent screenings in the course of their repatriation. Health officials presented updates on Covid-19 during the press briefing held at the DOH main office in Manila on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2020). Also in photo are DOH Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (left) and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles (right). (PNA photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
MANILA – Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said the repatriated overseas Filipinos (OFs) -- 440 crew members and five tourists -- from M/V Diamond Princess Cruise Ship from Japan have to undergo five levels of screening for fever and respiratory signs and symptoms.
"First, prior to disembarking from the cruise ship; second, before boarding the bus to Haneda airport; third, during the flight; fourth, upon landing at Clark Air Base; and fifth, upon arrival at the quarantine facility," Duque said in a press briefing held at the DOH main office in Manila.
He added that all of the OFs were asymptomatic throughout the flight and were transferred directly to the quarantine facility.
"All quarantined individuals will be assessed twice daily, once via telemedicine and another assessment through actual physical examination. They will be provided with food, hygiene kits, and appropriate health services," Duque said.
The DOH prepared an ambulance team on standby 24/7 to conduct hospital referrals as the DOH hospitals in Central Luzon prepared to accommodate those who may manifest respiratory symptoms or fever.
“As observed in other countries, there is still a possibility that our nationals may eventually test positive upon their return. We have prepared and equipped our hospitals and laboratory facilities, and allocated all necessary resources and personal protective equipment should this happen,” Duque said.
For her part, Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the health workers will be in the facility round the clock.
"They are going to stay with the patients all throughout the 14-day quarantine period. So, minimal exposure, that is our objective to prevent them from potentially spreading the disease," Vergeire said in response to a concern that the health workers may become carriers of the disease to their families and in the community.
Duque said the DOH is continuously monitoring the situation and will update its 14-day prescribed quarantine procedure based on evidence and new developments.
"We have placed measures for the appropriate isolation and management of individuals who may eventually test positive for Covid-19 to contain transmission. We are ready to address any possible scenario. Our priority is always the welfare of our kababayans,” he added. (PNA)
