301 more Filipino seafarers repatriated amid COVID-19 pandemic

301 more Filipino seafarers repatriated amid COVID-19 pandemic
Ian Biong -April 14, 2020 https://globalnation.inquirer.net/186839/301-filipino-seafarers-repatria...

MANILA, Philippines — Some 301 seafarers were repatriated on Tuesday, in addition to the over 13,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been sent home amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The new batch of repatriates came from cruise ships Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride, Carnival Fascination and Carnival Conquest, a DFA release said. The Qatar Airways flight that brought them home landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 at around 8:27 a.m.

The 301 repatriates underwent the appropriate medical protocols upon arrival as required by the Department of Health (DOH). The DFA noted that they would be required to undergo home-based quarantine in accordance with the assessment of the Bureau of Quarantine.

The repatriation program is a joint effort between the DFA and the local manning agency, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the DOH and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

There are 660 Filipinos abroad who have contracted COVID-19 as of Monday, according to the DFA.