A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) praised the Philippine government’s decision to quarantine over 400 Filipino passengers coming from the COVID-19 infected Diamond Princess Cruise ship from Japan for another 14 days.
WHO representative to the Philippines Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said that several individuals who will be repatriated might have been exposed other people within the ship who were infected. This would help the Philippines to safely test each individual to ensure that the virus is contained.
RELATED STORY: DFA: 80 Filipinos tested positive for coronavirus in Diamond Princess cruise ship
“The disease may develop (later on). So the decision of the (Philippine) government to put them into quarantine for 14 days is a good decision,” said Dr. Abeyasinghe as per a report from ABS-CBN News.
The WHO representative then furthered that additional days of quarantine are crucial as the tests that the individuals will receive from Japan isn’t a guarantee of safety from the said virus.
READ ON: Over 100 Filipino workers in Diamond Princess refuse repatriation
As of press time, the repatriation team from the Philippines comprised of representatives from DOH and DFA are escorting over 400 Filipinos on their way back home from Japan to the Philippines. These individuals had been quarantined within the ship for 14 days, and will soon be subject to another 14 days of quarantine when they return to the Philippines.
All of the repatriated Filipinos will be situated at the New Clark City for the time being as health officials conduct routine tests.
