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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Panelo: Gov't to repatriate 500 Filipinos on coronavirus-hit cruise ship in California if requested

Panelo: Gov't to repatriate 500 Filipinos on coronavirus-hit cruise ship in California if requested

Published Mar 6, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling The government is prepared to repatriate more than 500 Filipinos aboard a coronavirus-hit cruise ship in the United States. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said they will extend assistance to bring home these nationals if requested. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo (OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo (OPS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) About 500 Filipinos are on board the Grand Princess cruise docked off the coast of California as a precaution against the coronavirus outbreak. The ship carrying 3,500 people has been quarantined after a passenger died and several others developed symptoms of the disease. The crew members and the passengers have reportedly been advised to stay on the ship pending their testing for the new coronavirus. "Kung hinihingi nila ang repatriation, gaya ng ginawa natin sa first one (If they will request for repatriation, like we did with the first one), we will do it," Panelo said in an interview with reporters at the Palace. Panelo, however, voiced his confidence in the capability of the United States government to deal with the latest health situation. "Ang Amerika napakagaling sa containment (America is very good in containment). I think the protocols of the U.S. are topnotch." The Philippine government earlier brought home more than 400 Filipinos aboard a virus-hit cruise ship in Japan, the M/V Diamond Princess. The repatriates have been placed under quarantine at the athletes' village in New Clark City, Tarlac as a precaution against the coronavirus. At least 80 Filipino crew members earlier tested positive for COVID-19, the coronavirus disease. Earlier, the government helped 30 Filipinos return home from Wuhan, China, the epicenter of the coronavirus. They have been released from their quarantine in Tarlac after getting a clean bill of health. READ MORE: 500 Filipinos aboard suspected coronavirus-stricken cruise ship in California
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