(Eagle News) – The number of Filipinos aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship currently docked in Japan who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has risen to 41, according to the Department of Health (DOH)
All the 41 confirmed COVID cases are all crew members, said Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire in a press briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
But she said that these 41 confirmed cases would not be among those to be repatriated to the country.
What will happen is the voluntary repatriation of Filipinos aboard the Diamond Princess, meaning only those who would opt to return to the country would be repatriated.
They would also have to be tested for COVID-19, and that their results must show they are negative for the disease.
“We assure our kababayans aboard the MV Diamond Princess that your health and well-being is of the utmost importance to the President, Rodrigo Duterte, and this government,” Vergeire said reading a statement by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
-DOH: strict quarantine process to be followed; seamless efficient repatriation assured-
She said that the DOH would follow “strict infection control and quarantine procedures to ensure the safety of our repatriates and health workers who will man the quarantine proceedings.”
Vergeire also said that the DOH would closely coordinate with local government units and other concerned agencies to “provide a seamless and efficient repatriation plan for our kababayans.”
She said that they are still finalizing all processes with the government of Japan regarding the repatriation. Filipinos who tested positive for the COVID-19 are immediately brought to a referral hospital in Japan. They would not be among those to be repatriated.
“Katulad po ng lagi nating sinasabi, lahat po ng ni-re-repatriate natin should be asymptomatic. Pangalawa, they should test negative bago po sumakay sa chartered plane natin o anumang carrier na gagamitin natin,” Vergeire said.
“Ina-aassure po natin na lahat ng iuuwi nating mga kababayan ay wala nung sakit natinatawag na COVID-19,” she added.
The DOH said that there is no final number yet as to the Filipinos aboard the cruise ship who have chosen to be repatriated, pending the finalization of the quarantine process as required by the Japanese authorities, and the results of their tests for COVID-19.
Filipinos who would be repatriated would have to undergo another 14-day quarantine period once they arrive in the country.
This is although they have already completed the prescribed 14-day quarantine period in Japan.