445 Filipinos repatriated from cruise ship

Two Philippine Airlines flights successfully repatriated 445 Filipinos from the MV Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan.

Of the 445 Filipinos repatriated, 440 were crew members and five were tourists.

All repatriates tested negative for the novel coronavirus prior to disembarking, according to Japanese authorities.

Of the over 500 Filipino crew and passengers initially on the cruise ship, 80 tested positive for COVID-19 and were admitted to Japanese hospitals.

Three Filipino repatriates quarantined at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac were brought to a hospital after manifesting symptoms of COVID-19, including sore throat and cough.

The Department of Health confirmed these three individuals, now considered persons under investigation (PUIs), had their nose and throat swabs sent for testing.

The 80 Filipinos remaining on the cruise ship will be repatriated once they recover.