Filipinos who are Coronavirus-free on Japan ship prepares to return home

Photo courtesy: Rappler

Almost 400 Filipinos that were on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan are already preparing to come in the country, according to Department of Health (DOH) Assistants Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.

Vergeire confirmed the repatriation date after the coordination of DOH with Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine embassy in Tokyo.

The exact number of repatriates will only be known on Tuesday, February 25.

Vergeire said that they would still subject screening process as well as testings and assesments if they have signs and symptoms of the COVID-19.

The repatriates will depart on two carriers. The DOH will conduct a regular monitoring while on board. Those who manifest signs of respiratory illness will be isolated in one area of the plane.

Another layer of screening will be conducted upon landing the planes are set to arrive at the Clark International Airport.

Those who have signs of the illness will be ditectly brought to hospitals while the asymptomatic will be taken to New Clark City in Tarlac for a two-week quarantine period.

"During the 14-day quarantine procedure, 20 medical teams from DOH hospitals will manage the quarantine facility to provide appropriate health services. Patients will be checked twice a day and provided with food and basic provisions," the DOH stated.

Total of 538 Filipinos had been quarantined aboard the Diamond Princess docked at the port of Yokohama, Japan, since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which a total of 763 infected aboard the ship.