The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases is positive it will reach the deadline set by President Duterte on sending Overseas Filipino Workers back to their hometowns.
The NTF Against COVID-19 said around 26,000 OFWs have been sent to their respective provinces.
“Ang natitira na lamang po ay 11,889. Pero ang karamihan po nito ay naka-book na ‘yung kanilang mga biyahe hanggang Sabado at ang naiwan na lang ay 6,468 na kaya po nating matapos hanggang weekend (There are only 11,889 left. Most of them have their trips booked until Saturday, and there are 6,468 left which we can accomplish by weekend),” NTF Against COVID-19 Vice Chairperson Eduardo Aῆo reported.
NTF Chairperson Delfin Lorenzana shared that the system has been fixed through the help of DILG, DOTR, and DOLE. They are now preparing for the return of around 42,000 OFWs from countries severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Lorenzana disclosed they plan to test the OFWs through PCR testing once they arrive and will be quarantined for three days. Those who will test positive will only stay. He added if the plan of DOTr Secretary Tugade to open other international airports in the country pushes through, there is a possibility for OFWs going directly in the area and be tested. – Report from Bea Bernardo
