The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has assured that the more than 400 repatriates of MV Princess Cruise Ship from the United States (US) have undergone screening for COVID-19 before they were allowed to go home.
The DFA has already started the repatriation process of the Filipinos yesterday who were stranded in the ship since March 4, after it was placed under quarantine by US health authorities due to the increase in COVID-19 cases in the vessel.
There are 444 Filipinos who are set to return to the country and 438 of them are crew members.
Meanwhile, 91 Filipinos will not be included in the repatriation since 78 crew members chose to stay to maintain the ship, three are residing in California, while 13 have tested positive for COVID-19 and were already brought to health facilities in the US.
“All 444 were screened by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and did not display any COVID symptoms,” DFA Asec. Eduardo Meῆez said.
The repatriates will undergo a 14-day quarantine at the athletes village in New Clark City under the guidance of the Department of Health (DOH).
The DFA said the repatriation has undergone various clearances and permits and said the repatriates will be guided until they reach the Philippines. – Report from Naomi Tiburcio
