MANILA, Philippines – Two of the three Filipino repatriates from the virus-stricken cruise ship in Japan tested negative for COVID-19 despite manifesting symptoms of the deadly coronavirus disease while under quarantine, the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday, February 28.
The DOH said that based on laboratory test results that came out this morning, two Filipinos turned out negative for the infection while one is still awaiting results.
The two repatriates who tested negative no longer need to undergo another set of laboratory test but will be placed under strict monitoring, the agency added.
The DOH also assured all three are in stable condition.
Based on the Philippines’ quarantine guidelines, persons exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease should be separated from asymptomatic individuals for observation.
Those who are found infected with the virus will be placed in isolation in a health facility while those who tested negative will continue the quarantine period at a facility in New Clark City.
The three were brought to a hospital in Central Luzon on Thursday morning after they experienced sore throat and dry cough.
They were among the more than 400 Filipinos evacuated from the coronavirus-hit MV Diamond Princess cruise ship off Yokohama, Japan last Tuesday, February 25, and placed under 14-day quarantine at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The cruise ship was placed on quarantine after a passenger tested positive for COVID-19.
Of the 3,700 passengers and crew members, more than 700 were found infected with coronavirus, including 80 Filipinos.
All asymptomatic persons aboard the vessel have already disembarked, while those infected were admitted at hospitals in Japan for proper treatment. – RRD (with details from Correspondent Aiko Miguel)
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