OFW from Cagayan tests positive for UK COVID-19 variant

Updated Fri, January 8, 2021 at 3:30 PM Published Wed, January 6, 2021 at 12:03 AM

A 30-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Cagayan Valley, who works as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, tested positive for the UK COVID-19 variant.

She left Cagayan Valley on December 17, tested negative for COVID-19 upon arrival in Metro Manila on December 19, and departed for Hong Kong on December 22.

The traveler tested positive for the UK variant on January 2 while undergoing quarantine in Hong Kong.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III suggested it is possible the OFW contracted the virus in Hong Kong.

The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed the traveler's origin and has traced and tested close contacts in Cagayan Valley and Metro Manila.

The specimens of these close contacts have been sent for genome sequencing, with results expected next week.

The UK variant has not yet been detected in the Philippines.

The patient remains in isolation and is in stable condition.

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Department of Health Overseas Filipino Workers Hong Kong Francisco Duque III

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Fri, January 8, 2021 at 3:30 PM

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