DOH: 57 close contacts of UK traveler in Bontoc test positive for COVID-19

Fifty-seven close contacts of the individual in Bontoc, Mountain Province who came home from the United Kingdom have tested positive for COVID-19, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Friday.

Vergeire said that of the 57 who tested positive for COVID-19, 12 were also found infected with the more transmissible UK variant of the coronavirus.

“369 iyong identified na unique close close contacts ng UK traveler case, 233 iyong tested ng RT-PCR [for COVID-19], 57 ang positive for COVID-19, including iyong 12 na may UK variant,” she said at a virtual press briefing.

On the other hand, 135 of the 233 who underwent RT-PCR test yielded negative results for COVID-19 infection.

Forty-one COVID-19 test results, meanwhile, are still pending, Vergeire said.

“Baka by Monday next week, maibigay na namin ang resulta,” she added, referring to results if the individuals tested positive for COVID-19 and if they do, if they are infected with the UK variant of the coronavirus.

The Philippines has recorded 17 COVID-19 cases infected with the UK variant of the coronavirus so far. —KBK, GMA News