Butuan-bound passenger found COVID-19-positive at NAIA

A passenger bound for Butuan was already checking in for his flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 on Monday when he learned that his COVID-19 swab test came back positive.

According to Victoria Tulad’s “24 Oras” report, airport employees manning the check-in counter asked the man for his swab test result since it was a requirement for Butuan-bound passengers.

The staff and the passenger himself were surprised to learn that the test result indicated that he was positive for COVID-19.

"Ang sabi, hindi daw niya nabasa,” Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officer-in-charge Connie Bungag said.

“'Pag may pasaherong nagche-check-in and we found out na positive, tinatawag 'yung medical [staff] ng airport, and then 'yung aming mga operations people, they are also called because they provide the isolation facilities,” she added.

The passenger is now being monitored by the local government of General Trias, Cavite.

The airline staff who came into contact with the COVID-19 case will also undergo quarantine while the MIAA and the Philippine Airlines will conduct contact tracing.

GMA News has sought comment from the airline on the matter.

Bungag said there was no need to shut down the terminal since health protocols such as social distancing are strictly enforced at NAIA.

“After each flight, lahat ng dinadaanan, lahat ng gamit, idi-disinfect ‘yun,” she said.

The MIAA also explained that the COVID-19-positive passenger was able to enter the airport terminal since not all passengers are asked to present swab test results.

The test results must be presented to the staff at the check-in counter.

Prior COVID-19 testing is not required in certain destinations.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration said it was on heightened alert to enhance border security amid the holiday season. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News