The Filipino repatriates from Wuhan, China will still be monitored by the Department of Health (DoH) even after they completed their 14-day mandatory quarantine period.
“Imonitor pa din. 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,” said Health Assistant Secretary Rosario Vergeire in a television interview on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the repatriates must immediately seek medical consultation if they experience signs and symptoms of COVID-19, said World Health Organization Country Representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe.
“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.
Vergeire reported on Friday that the 30 repatriates as well as the 19 members of the Philippine repatriation team have not shown signs and 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 repatriation happened last February 9.
“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,” she then said. (Analou de Vera)
