Dubai-based OFW, who accompanied friend for PCR test, turns out to be COVID positive

DUBAI, UAE - An overseas Filipina worker (OFW), who accompanied a friend to a PCR test and also underwent one, got the shock of her life when it turned out she was the one infected.

“It was actually my friend who was so worried as her managing director messaged her that he has tested positive, so she asked me to accompany her to the drive-thru PCR test,” said Anabelle (real name withheld on request).

“The following day,” she added, “she was so relieved to receive the negative test result, but much to my surprise I was positive!”

Anabelle said it “all felt surreal” because it had not occurred to her to take the test. “I was not showing any symptoms and I take the necessary precautions along with a daily dose of Vitamin C,” she explained.

Anabelle, who has been working in Dubai since 2008, said she was actually feeling exhausted that week she took the PCR test “because we had just moved to a new place in the city and I was tired of unpacking our stuff.”

“But I was not expecting to have the coronavirus,” she said.

Anabelle, who hails from Pampanga, said her condition worsened two days after her PCR test as she was working from home.

She said she consulted a doctor through the Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) telemedicine service on the ninth day of her quarantine because she was not getting any better. The physician advised her to have plenty of fluids and fruits rich in Vitamin C.

Anabelle said her sister convinced her to have a face-to-face medical check-up, whereby following blood tests and X-ray, it was established that she already had a chest infection.

“This explained why I was experiencing sharp pains on my back and chest whenever I coughed,” Anabelle said.

Anabelle said it started to become scary for her when her condition began to deteriorate. “At first, hindi masyado since wala ngang symptoms. But when it got worse, I became very worried about my two daughters and family back home, whom I haven’t seen because of the lockdown,” she said.

Anabelle said she was supposed to go to the Philippines last April for her daughter’s Junior High School graduation.

“Actually, I kept it from my parents and daughters so that they wouldn’t worry about me. My sisters (who live with her in Dubai) knew but I have asked them not to tell my parents until I am well,” she said.

The ordeal happened during the yuletide season last December. By January this year, Anabelle was back to work.

“For those who still believe that COVID is not real, I’m a living testament that it’s very real and not to be taken lightly. Take the necessary precautions and boost your immune system - it’s your only shield against the virus,” was Anabelle’s advice.

The UAE has been experiencing an upward swing in the number daily COVID-19 cases and deaths.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) reported 2,876 new cases and six deaths for a total of 708 fatalities on Jan. 10, 2021. The number of active cases on that day was 23,756.

On Monday, Jan. 25, MOHAP reported 3,591 new cases and six deaths for a total of 798 fatalities; active cases were at 25,444.

In September last year, new cases were in the range of over 1,000.

The UAE has implemented stricter social gathering measures in events and restaurants apparently in light of this development. -- BAP, GMA News