PPA: No COVID-19 cases so far in quarantine vessels

There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) so far among seafarers housed in the quarantine vessels from the 2GO Group Inc., the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported Monday.

According to PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal (EMST) Treatment Facility -- which would house seafarers who test positive for COVID-19 -- remains unutilized.

"Sa ngayon, 'yun kasing Pier 15 or Eva Macapagal Super Terminal COVID-19 Treatment Center, ito ay bahagi ng isang mas malaking complex kung saan nandoon 'yung dalawang quarantine vessels na mina-manage ng Department of Transportation at Philippine Coast Guard," he said during the Laging Handa virtual briefing on Monday.

"Sa ngayon ang occupation nung mga seafarers natin ay nandoon pa lamang sa dalawang quarantine vessel at ang Eva Macapagal Treatment Facility ay hindi pa na-o-occupy," added Santiago.

He was referring to the two vessels of 2GO Group Inc. currently being used as quarantine facilities for returning seafarers.

"Magandang balita rin 'to, dahil 'yung Eva Macapagal Treatment Facility ay para 'yan doon sa mga COVID-19 positive na mga seafarers at maging intermedial facility bago sila dalhin sa hospital," Santiago said.

"Since hindi pa nagagamit 'yan, ang magandang balita diyan ay wala pa sa ating seafarers na nandoon sa ating quarantine vessels ang nagte-test positive o nagkakaroon ng sintomas ng sakit," he explained.

As of April 26, 2020, the Philippines has so far recorded a total of 7,579 confirmed cases of COVID-19. This includes 862 recoveries and 501 deaths. — RSJ, GMA News