DFA: 49 Filipinos aboard Diamond Princess test positive for COVID-19

DFA: 49 Filipinos aboard Diamond Princess test positive for COVID-19
Katrina Hallare-February 22, 2020 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/185539/dfa-49-filipinos-aboard-diamond...

MANILA, Philippines — The number of Filipinos who have been infected with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship now quarantined at the Yokohama Port in Japan has reached 49, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Saturday.

“Since the Dream Princess cruise Covid-19 saga began, 49 Filipinos have tested positive for the coronavirus,” DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concern Brigido Dulay said on Twitter.

Dulay in a text message to INQUIRER.net, later clarified that his Twitter post was referring to the Diamond Princess which is now docked at the Port of Yokohama in Japan.

Dulay added that all Filipinos infected were cared for in hospitals in Japan.

“Two of them were successfully treated and discharged. Thank you!!” he added.

During a press briefing held by the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Health Assistant Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said 52 Filipinos aboard the cruise ship have tested positive for COVID-19.

Vergeire, however, noted that the number was still up for verification.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) approved the repatriation of 497 Filipinos aboard the quarantined cruise ship.

They are set to arrive home early next week via Clark International Airport.