More returning OFWs test negative for COVID-19
About 23,000 returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who underwent testing upon arriving in the country, turned out negative for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while about 7,000 more are still awaiting results, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
As of May 19, the PCG said 30,918 land-based and sea-based OFWs underwent RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) testing for COVID-19 administered by the Sub-Task Group for the
Repatriation of OFWs, which was specifically tasked to facilitate and implement the mandatory 14-day quarantine period of all repatriated Filipino workers.
“More than 12,000 names of OFWs who yielded negative results in the said test have
been disclosed. A total of 11,000 other names are pending for release in the next days,” the Coast
Guard said.
The returning OFWs will receive quarantine clearances from their respective manning agencies or from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) that will allow them to go home.
Approximately 7,000 swab samples remain at the Philippine Red Cross for analysis, the Coast Guard added.
These OFWs have underwent RTPCR testing in quarantine hotels, airport, Palacio de Maynila, cruise ships, and at the Eva Macapagal Facility.
Meanwhile, the two quarantine ships and the Eva Macapagal Facility in Port Area, Manila, remain free of COVID-19 as of Tuesday, according to the Coast Guard.
“Today, there is no confirmed COVID-19 positive case in the quarantine facilities and the 461 Filipinos remain healthy and show no signs or symptoms of the virus,” it said in an advisory issued Tuesday.
A total of 196 individuals are now taking their mandatory quarantine at the Eva Macapagal Facility while 265 individuals are onboard the MV St. John Paul II and MV St. Anthony De Padua.
Since April 14, 294 individuals have already completed their mandatory quarantine period at the three quarantine sites and were sent home to their localities, while 93 individuals are now awaiting transport to their respective home provinces or cities.
Their transportation back home is jointly arranged by the Maritime Industry Authority, licensed manning agencies, OWWA, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and the Department of Transportation.
Ready to return home
On Wednesday, Malacañang said around 13,000 will soon be sent home after completing their COVID-19 test and 14-day facility-based quarantine.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the repatriates are expected to be given health clearances and may leave the quarantine facilities to make room for other OFWs returning to the country.
In a briefing with President Duterte on Tuesday, Galvez said OFWs who tested negative will be immediately released to declog the hotels being used as quarantine centers.
In a meeting with President Duterte and some Cabinet members on the coronavirus response on Tuesday, Galvez expressed concern over the "huge problem" concerning the influx of repatriates and the country's quarantine accommodation.
More than 27,000 repatriates are currently staying in various quarantine centers in Metro Manila, he said. Thousands more OFWs are expected to return home in the coming weeks. (With reports from Genalyn D. Kabiling)