DOLE Confirms 9 Filipino Seafarers Test Positive for COVID-19 in Western Australia

DOLE Confirms 9 Filipino Seafarers Test Positive for COVID-19 in Western Australia

The Department of Labor and Employment reported that nine Filipino seafarers have tested for coronavirus disease.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III confirmed that nine Filipino seafarers in Western Australia are infected with the coronavirus disease. The Pinoy seaworkers are employees of Patricia Oldendorff vessel.

Bello said that the Filipino workers are already receiving medical treatment while 12 other Pinoy sea workers on board were now under observation. He also said that the Pinoy seamen might have been infected by COVID-19 on board.

Filipino Seafarers

“‘Yung siyam na kababayan natin na nag-positive, nasa ospital na sila rito sa Western Australia, mild case of COVID-19 naman sila,” Bello said.

The DOLE secretary explained that OFWs are required to undergo RT-PCR before they could get on board. He also explained that what is important now is that our infected countrymen are being treated in the hospital.

“Hindi siguro, kasi required ang RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing sa OFWs. It is very possible na pagdating nila sa barko kasi hindi naman natin alam kung sino ang mga nakasalamuha nila roon,” Bello added.

Filipino Seafarers

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You can also read: CHED Orders Colleges in Isabela to Stop Face-to-Face Classes After a Student Gets Infected by COVID-19

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