4K+ Filipino cruise ship crew to be repatriated over 3 weeks

Over 4,000 Filipino crew members from cruise ships will be repatriated over the next three weeks due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The first group of 530 crew members from Costa Favolosa and Costa Magica are set to arrive on Sunday, March 29.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. expressed concerns about quarantine facilities and hotel accommodations for the arriving crew.

OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) requires DOH approval for hotels to qualify as individual isolation wards with room service.