444 Filipinos from Grand Princess cruise ship arrive in PH

A total of 444 Filipinos, comprising 438 crew members and six passengers from the M/V Grand Princess cruise ship, have arrived in Clark City, Pampanga.

Of the 529 Filipino crew, 13 tested positive for COVID-19 and remain in health facilities in the US, while the repatriates were cleared by the US Department of Health and Human Services before disembarking.

They were transported to the Athletes' Village in New Clark City via chartered buses for a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Seventy-eight Filipino crew members opted to remain on the ship to maintain its minimum safe and operational manning.

Three Filipino passengers disembarked and stayed in the US as they are California residents.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco facilitated the repatriation process, securing necessary clearances and land transfers for their chartered flight.