A person positive with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has managed to enter the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
According to the Manila International Airport Authority, it was around past 5 in the afternoon of December 20 when the infected 39 year-old man arrived at the Terminal 2.
He was able to slip past the entrance as the security guard only checked the confirmed booking details. The man was able to walk around the airport from 5:00 PM the day before until this morning.
He was supposed to travel to Butuan City via Philippine Airlines 2P 2934 flight but airline personnel noticed at the check in counter that his medical certificate stated he is COVID-19 positive. The passenger was immediately isolated and rushed to the hospital through an ambulance.
MIAA data has shown that 2, 261 people were at the Terminal 2 Departure Area yesterday. Authorities have started tracing people who were in close contact with the man. The plane supposedly to be boarded by the infected person left the airport at 9:30 AM.
While other passengers got worried, some of them still felt safe since health protocols are being observed in the airport including social distancing and using alcohol.
The MIAA has not yet issued any directive to have the terminal sanitized. – Report from Louise Erispe
