"I HOPE wala ng ma-quarantine sa New Clark City."
These were the words of Capas town Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan as he expressed hopes that no more repatriates will be quarantined for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) at the New Clark City (NCC).
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) has decided home quarantine for repatriates who will be coming home.
A few days ago, Filipino workers from Macau arrived and were sent home by the IATF-EID, according to the mayor.
"Kaya yung mga tiga-Macau na dumating, pinadala na lang sa kani-kanilang mga bahay subject to the monitoring of the local government units, through the barangay captains and health workers," the local chief executive said.
The 445 repatriates from the M/V Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan were already sent home on Wednesday, March 11, after undergoing a 14-day quarantine at the NCC, Catacutan said.
"Kaya as of now, kung ako ang tatanuning mo ngayon ay dapat huli na itong mga tiga Diamond Princess," he added.
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that only 442 of the 445 repatriates from Japan who were quarantined at NCC were sent home on Wednesday, March 11.
Those who were sent home composed of 437 crew members and five passengers who were among the Filipinos aboard the M/V Diamond Princess. All repatriates, together with the teams that attended to them, underwent medical examination for their safety.
Two of the repatriates tested positive of Covid-19 and they are now being treated at the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in the City of San Fernando.
Disinfection procedures in the rooms of the two patients have been implemented by the DOH personnel.
Individuals who made close contacts with the patients will undergo additional 14-day quarantine and monitored by their respective municipal or city health offices.
One remaining passenger was left behind at the NCC while awaiting laboratory result.