DOH traces 41 flight contacts of Indian variant seafarers

The Department of Health (DOH) is checking the health status of 41 travelers who were onboard the same flights as two seafarers found to have the B.1.617 coronavirus variant first detected in India.

The first case, a 37-year-old male seafarer who arrived from Oman, had six close contacts on his flight.

The second case, a 58-year-old male from the UAE, had 35 close contacts on his flight, an increase from the previously reported 26.

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed that they reviewed the flight manifest and data systems to arrive at the updated number of close contacts for the second case.

All 41 close contacts have been traced, quarantined, and tested upon arrival in the Philippines, with DOH assuring that protocols were followed.

Both seafarers have recovered from COVID-19 and are currently in Soccsksargen and Bicol.