By Glazyl Masculino
BACOLOD CITY - The provincial government of Negros Occidental has reported two new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) confirmed cases in the province, bringing a total to four.
The two male patients were overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who got stranded in Cebu at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and were repatriated to the province on April 14 via Escalante City.
The third patient was a 38-year-old OFW from the Netherlands, who arrived in the Philippines on March 24. He is a resident of Silay City.
The fourth patient was a 50-year-old OFW from Finland, who arrived in the country on March 17. He is a resident of Candoni town.
Both patients were asymptomatic, and are now on strict isolation. They are currently in quarantine at the Provincial Healing Center in E.B. Magalona town.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, provincial health officer, said that the second COVID-19 patient was tested negative in the rapid test conducted last Tuesday.
He, however, said that the 42-year-old patient was also subjected to another swab test which will be sent to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City. He said that the patient is asymptomatic but in stable condition.
The patient’ s wife and child, who tested negative in previous swab tests, also underwent retesting.
At present, the province has recorded 19 suspected cases for COVID-19.