The first Filipino national who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) had recovered and is now scheduled to be discharged, the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo reported Wednesday.
“The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo is pleased to announce that the first Filipino crew member who tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to the hospital on February 5 has been successfully treated,” it said in a statement.
The embassy is now arranging accommodation for the Filipino crew member.
As this developed, Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Robespierre Bolivar reported a new group of six Filipinos who tested positive for the virus just as the 14-day quarantine period for the passengers and crew of MV Diamond Princess ends on Wednesday.
“There are 40 (in total) because one is about to be discharged,” he told the Philippine News Agency. The 40 are being treated in medical facilities in and around the Tokyo Metropolitan Area.
For those onboard the virus-hit cruise ship, the diplomat said the disembarkation has started on Wednesday morning, with passengers alighting first followed by the crew.
The embassy is coordinating with the Japanese government and the management of Princess Cruises in finalizing the details, logistics, and schedule of the repatriation.
“All Filipino crew and passengers who are cleared for disembarkation from the vessel will be assisted by the Embassy and Princess Cruises, and will be repatriated back to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” the embassy statement read.
Filipinos who are in the hospital for treatment, on the other hand, will be repatriated as soon as the Japanese hospitals grant them medical clearance.
“The Embassy is in touch with those who have been admitted to hospitals in order to ensure their well-being and to provide them any assistance they need,” the embassy said. (PNA)
