Filipinos from Wuhan show no signs of COVID-19 after quarantine period
Published Feb 22, 2020 12:00 am
By Analou De Vera
The 30 repatriates from Wuhan, China, as well as the 19 members of the Philippine repatriation team have not shown signs nor symptoms of fever, cough, or sore throat during the duration of their quarantine period at the Athletes' Village in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Health Assistant Secretary Maria Vergeire (Facebook)
After completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine period on Saturday (Feb. 22), they will now be allowed to go home, but will still be monitored by the DOH.
“They will now be allowed to go back to their respective homes and places. We are glad that our repatriates are all well and safe from COVID-19,” said Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in a television interview on Saturday.
“I-monitor pa din [(We will still monitor them). We will still follow up on them. So ang ating advise bago sila umuwi, ibibigay ang hotline ng DOH para saka-sakaling makaramdam ng sintomas they can easily call us (Our advice to them before they go home is we will provide to them the DOH hotline so they can easily call us if they experience symptoms (of coronavirus disease 2019)),” Vergeire added.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said the repatriates must immediately seek medical consultation if they experience signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
“We believed that the incubation period is up to 12 and half days. That's why the quarantine period is being held for 14 days. But you are also aware of certain reports which claimed a few cases with incubation period of up to 23 days,” Abeyasinghe told reporters.
“So the rational thing to advise the repatriates who completed their 14 days (quarantine period) would be to seek medical advice and share information – their travel history and their exposure – with clinicians if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms within the next two weeks probably,” he added.
Meanwhile, DOH said the repatriates received certifications of quarantine completion as well as financial assistance.
“We are glad that all our repatriates from China are well and did not exhibit any signs of the COVID-19. Through everyone's cooperation, we have zero infections and zero mortalities,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
The health chief also expressed gratitude to the Philippine repatriation team composed of five DOH medical team members, five response team members of the Department Foreign Affairs, six plane crew, and three ground personnel.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the selfless individuals who have braved threats and health risks to offer help to their fellow Filipinos. Your dedication and commitment to help our kababayans in need deserve the highest commendations,” Duque said.
Health Assistant Secretary Maria Vergeire (Facebook)
After completing the mandatory 14-day quarantine period on Saturday (Feb. 22), they will now be allowed to go home, but will still be monitored by the DOH.
“They will now be allowed to go back to their respective homes and places. We are glad that our repatriates are all well and safe from COVID-19,” said Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire in a television interview on Saturday.
“I-monitor pa din [(We will still monitor them). We will still follow up on them. So ang ating advise bago sila umuwi, ibibigay ang hotline ng DOH para saka-sakaling makaramdam ng sintomas they can easily call us (Our advice to them before they go home is we will provide to them the DOH hotline so they can easily call us if they experience symptoms (of coronavirus disease 2019)),” Vergeire added.
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said the repatriates must immediately seek medical consultation if they experience signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
“We believed that the incubation period is up to 12 and half days. That's why the quarantine period is being held for 14 days. But you are also aware of certain reports which claimed a few cases with incubation period of up to 23 days,” Abeyasinghe told reporters.
“So the rational thing to advise the repatriates who completed their 14 days (quarantine period) would be to seek medical advice and share information – their travel history and their exposure – with clinicians if they develop fever or respiratory symptoms within the next two weeks probably,” he added.
Meanwhile, DOH said the repatriates received certifications of quarantine completion as well as financial assistance.
“We are glad that all our repatriates from China are well and did not exhibit any signs of the COVID-19. Through everyone's cooperation, we have zero infections and zero mortalities,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
The health chief also expressed gratitude to the Philippine repatriation team composed of five DOH medical team members, five response team members of the Department Foreign Affairs, six plane crew, and three ground personnel.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the selfless individuals who have braved threats and health risks to offer help to their fellow Filipinos. Your dedication and commitment to help our kababayans in need deserve the highest commendations,” Duque said.