Filtered By: Pinoyabroad
Pinoy Abroad

Returning Pinoys from Wuhan, China expected to arrive at 5 a.m. on Sunday


The 36 Filipinos scheduled to be repatriated from Wuhan, China are set to arrive in the Philippines at 5 a.m. on Sunday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Saturday.

DFA Undersecretary Sarrah Lou Arriola, at a press briefing, said that the Filipinos will leave Wuhan at 2 a.m. in the morning.

"It's supposed to be at 10:15 tonight, and they're supposed to be there at 1:15. And they'll stay around 45 minutes and they leave at 2 o'clock, and they're supposed to be back at 5 in the morning tomorrow," she said.

As of 8 p.m. on Saturday, 26 individuals, including spouses and infants, have confirmed their intent to be repatriated, while 10 more are still expected to join the group.

Upon arrival in the country, the 36 Filipinos will undergo a 14-day quarantine at the Athlete's Village in New Clark City in Tarlac.

According to Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo, one room will be assigned for each repatriate, except for families, especially those with children, who can all stay in one room.

"Dahil, although, they came from the same place, hindi natin alam ang exposure ng isa, mag i-iba iba. So kung magkakasama sila sa isang room tapos isa pa lang 'yung ma expose, damay 'yung iba," Bayugo said.

The returning Filipinos will also be given cellphone privileges, so they can contact their relatives once they arrive.

"Cellphone privileges will be allowed. Maglalagay po ng internet doon sa facility. They will be allowed to use their cellphones pero with some rules kasi ayaw din naman natin na sila pa yung magiging sakit ng ulo," Bayugo said.

"They will also be provided the opportunity to breathe fresh air. Meron doon na parang near the door, by batch or by schedule, they can go out and see the world around and enjoy the view of the NCC and this will be the routine," he added.

A mental health team is also on standby to attend to the mental wellness of the repatriated Filipinos three days into the quarantine period.

Meanwhile, the crew manning the flight will be considered as persons under monitoring and will also undergo a 14-day quarantine. — MDM, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT