Department of Health

3 close contacts of OFW with India variant COVID positive

May 15, 2021 Lee Ann P. Ducusin 667 views

THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported that three close contacts of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was detected with the India coronavirus 2019 variant tested positive for COVID-19.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the specimen of one of the three close contacts who tested positive for the virus was already subjected for whole genome sequencing but they have yet to locate the two other close contacts.

“As to case number 2, the 58-year-old male from UAE (United Arab Emirates), meron po tayong verified na 32 close contacts doon sa eroplano at tatlo po sa kanila ay positive,” she said.

Vergeire also disclosed that 28 of the 32 close contacts tested negative while the data of one passenger is still being verified with the DOH’s database.

Meanwhile, the DOH said there were six close contacts of the other OFW who was found to be carrying the India variant of the coronavirus.

Of the six close contacts, three have tested negative while the other three are still being identified by the DOH.

Vergeire explained that in a plane setting, close contact refers to passengers located four seats in front, behind, and beside a COVID-19 case.

The two OFWs detected with B.1.617 coronavirus variant first discovered in India have already recovered from the respiratory disease and are now in Soccsksargen and Bicol.

The DOH said the two seafarers had no other close contacts aside from their co-passengers since they were immediately quarantined upon arrival.

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