DOH exec: 2,379 OFWs tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, others in hometowns

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said at least 2,739 returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have tested positive for COVID-19 upon arrival in the Philippines, as of Wednesday.

Of the number, 1,690 cases have recovered and one case already died.

At a press conference, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said at least 92,967 repatriates—including sea-based and land-based workers—arrived in the country, as of June 30.

Vergeire said they are still trying to gather data on the total number of returning OFWs who tested negative upon arrival, but tested positive when they returned home to their provinces.

“Pagbalik nila sa areas nila, doon sila nagpa-positive. Ang sabi ko nga, it's a point in time lang ang isang test na kapag ti-nest kita ngayon, maaring bukas, sa makalawa ma-expose ka ulit sa disease,” she said.

“So, tinitignan pa rin natin kung ano ‘yung real cause kung bakit. Why is it they turned negative when they got here, but turned positive when they get back to provinces,” she added.

DOH said most of the emerging first positive cases in some Mindanao areas, previously COVID-free, were actually returning OFWs and locally stranded individuals.

In Northern Mindanao, around one to three new cases were reported in Bukidnon, Lanao Del Norte, and Misamis Occidental, as of June 30.

First batch of positive cases were also recently reported in Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental in Davao Region, as well as South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat in Soccsksargen region.

Maguindanao in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also reported first cases.

Vergeire  said the government initially required returning OFWs COVID-19 testing, 14-day quarantine, clearance based on test results before going back to provinces.

Due to the observation, Vergeire said local government units may require another COVID-19 testing and quarantine period for their returning residents. — RSJ, GMA News