OFWs with nCoV symptoms won't be repatriated

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos in China exhibiting symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease (nCoV ARD) will not be repatriated to the Philippines, an official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said yesterday.

DILG Undersecretary for barangay affairs Martin Diño issued the statement as he allayed fears of officials of Capas, Tarlac on the plan to quarantine Filipinos from China at the Athletes’ Village in New Clark City.

Diño said only Filipinos with no symptoms of the pathogen would be repatriated and quarantined at the athletes’ facility for 14 days.

This includes the five medical personnel who flew to China and will accompany the Filipino workers back to the country.

Among the symptoms of nCoV are fever, cough, colds and difficulty in breathing.

Diño did not say how the government would assist Filipinos who would be left behind. “Only those who are not showing symptoms will be repatriated and they will be isolated,” he said in Filipino.

At least 45 Filipinos in Hubei province, where the virus originated, will be flown to the country today.

DILG undersecretary for operations Epimaco Densing III warned local officials not to block the arrival through violent means or face sanctions.

Densing said the local government should step aside as President Duterte approved the repatriation.

“This issue is of national concern. It’s an order by the President,” he said.

The DILG clarified that only travelers from China, Hong Kong and Macau are covered by the 14-day quarantine period.

The DILG issued the clarification in response to an infographic being shared on social media platforms claiming the quarantine period covers travelers from more than 20 other countries.

“Travelers from other nCoV-affected countries may undergo voluntary quarantine,” the DILG said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring a Filipino crewmember of luxury ship Diamond Princess who tested positive for nCoV along with nine other foreign nationals.

DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo said the seafarer is undergoing treatment in Japan. Domingo said the Japanese government is handling the situation as the cruise liner was in its territory when the nCoV outbreak was discovered.

“Under the International Health Regulation, it is the responsibility of the host country to treat an ailing patient of a ship that is in its territory. I think the 10 crewmembers who tested positive for nCoV has been transferred to a Japanese hospital for treatment,” Domingo said.

Aside from the Filipino sailor, found infected were two Australians, three Japanese, three Hong Kong residents and an American. 

Currently, the over 3,000 passengers and crewmembers, including 538 Filipinos,  are undergoing quarantine in the ship off Yokohama.