DOLE PR
The Department of Health (DOH) reported today the repatriation and quarantine plan approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases for the Overseas Filipinos (OFs) aboard the M/V Diamond Princess cruise ship.
To date, 59 of the 538 OFs from the cruise ship have been confirmed with COVID-19. More than 400 negative, asymptomatic patients will be repatriated.
“The repatriation of our kababayans is of utmost priority to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and this Government. We are determined to ensure that our countrymen will come back safe and healthy. DOH has implemented mechanisms to ensure a seamless repatriation process for our fellow Filipinos,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III assured.
Under the repatriation plan, DOH will screen and only allow the repatriation of OFs who are negative for COVID-19. OFs negative for the coronavirus will be checked for signs and symptoms of respiratory illness, and only asymptomatic individuals will be allowed to disembark from the ship, take the bus to the airport, and board the aircraft back to the Philippines.
While aboard the aircraft from Japan to Clark International Airport, regular monitoring will be done and individuals who will manifest signs of respiratory illness will be separated and isolated in one area of the aircraft. Upon landing and disembarkation, another screening will be conducted. Those who will manifest signs of respiratory illness during the flight will immediately be brought to an identified hospital for isolation and management while those who were asymptomatic throughout the flight will be directly transferred to the quarantine facility at New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
During the 14-day quarantine procedure, 20 medical teams from DOH hospitals will manage the quarantine facility to provide appropriate health services. Patients will be checked twice a day and provided with food and basic provisions.
“We will ensure that Infection Control and Quarantine Protocols will be strictly followed by our kababayans and the health workers that will man the quarantine facility. DOH and its partners will be working double hard to ensure the safety and welfare of the quarantined patients, as well as civilians in the vicinity,” the Health Chief concluded.
