IATF Reports 465 Returning OFWs Tested Positive For COVID-19
465 RETURNING OFWs POSITIVE – The Philippines’ Coronavirus task force reported that 465 returning OFWs had COVID-19.
During an Inter-Agency Task Force meeting online on late Tuesday night, Secretary Carlito Galvez said the OFWs were tested by the Philippine Red Cross. Moreover, he said that around 30,000 OFWs were tested.
He added that if they didn’t conduct PCR (polymerase chain reaction testing) the 465 OFWs could have become the country’s second coronavirus wave. According to an article from CNN, he stated:
At kawawa ang mga local government units, lalo na yung mga walang alam tsaka walang PCR sa area at walang facilities
Moreover, Galvez emphasized that the influx of OFWs returning to the country may pose a huge problem. One of which, is overwhelming hotels in the country and threatening public safety if not tested.
Malaki po ang problema po natin sa returning OFWs. Kasi po sa ngayon po, more than 27,000 na po ang nandito sa Manila, at mayroon pa pong darating na 42,000 this coming May and June
However, Galvez assured President Rodrigo Duterte that officials have already made talks with several agencies to address the issue. Additionally, Galvez stated that Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana had called for the release of all OFWs negative for the disease.
Currently, there have been over 13,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Additionally, the country had recorded 800 deaths while 2,800 have recovered from the deadly virus.
Meanwhile, as per the article, around 2,400 Filipinos abroad were confirmed to be positive for COVID-19. Moreover, Europe and Middle East/Africa had the bulk of these cases.
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