Dabawenyo tests positive for COVID-19 after sweeper flight

A returning Dabawenyo who arrived via a sweeper flight from Manila on Wednesday has tested positive for COVID-19.

The passenger initially failed a rapid diagnostic test upon arrival and was subsequently moved to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) for RT-PCR testing.

The RT-PCR test confirmed the passenger's COVID-19 infection.

Health officials will conduct further screening on passengers seated near the infected individual.

Other passengers from the same flight are advised to report to SPMC if they develop symptoms within 14 days.

The city government urged family members of the passengers to avoid direct physical contact and asked the public to keep their distance from those with indelible ink on their index finger.

The Davao City government plans to raise this incident to the national government, requesting a prohibition on boarding flights without a confirmed negative RT-PCR result.