The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has implemented strict security measures on the two vessels from Indonesia carrying 11 crew members who tested positive for the coronavirus which are now at the Lidong port in Albay.
The PCG said the towing vessel MT Clyde and barge Claudia are now anchored one kilometer from Lidong port, Sto. Domingo, Albay.
The towing vessel and barge arrived from Indonesia on July 14 and docked at the Butuan Port in Agusan del Norte where they were subjected to Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests for COVID-19.
The vessels were already on their way to a port in Albay when they were informed that 12 of the crew members tested positive.
It was found out that one of those who tested positive disembarked at the Butuan port, leaving 11 COVID-positive crew members on board.
“The maritime security and monitoring team of PCG Station Albay ensures that no vessels can approach the vessels and no crew can disembark, in order to control the spread of the infectious virus,” the PCG said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, a Coast Guard medical personnel who is also part of the monitoring team was instructed to provide medical assistance to the crew members.
The PCG, in cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), said it continues to meet and provide the needs of the crew members without compromising the health of Albay residents.