Ship said to be with 12 COVID-19-positive Filipino sailors allowed to dock in Manila

A vessel carrying 12 Filipino sailors said to be afflicted with COVID-19 has been allowed to dock in Manila for medical evacuation.

Information indicated that two of MV Athens Bridge's crew needed immediate medication attention due to difficulty in breathing.

The ship has a crew of 21, all of them Filipinos.

"The vessel will be allowed to dock. Preparations for medical evaluation of two critical cases are being done," the DOH said in a statement.

"They will be assessed upon arrival and transferred to their partner hospital as fit," it added.

The DOH said the vessel would also be assessed if it could adequately serve as quarantine facility for the rest of the crew.

"Rest assured that appropriate care will be provided to those who need it, while upholding the proper protocols," the DOH said.—NB, GMA News