MANILA – The passenger from the Philippines who was reported to have tested positive for the new variant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hong Kong presented a negative test result before taking a flight in Manila.
In an advisory on Wednesday, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said the passenger showed a negative COVID-19 test before taking the Manila-Hong Kong flight PR300 on Dec. 22.
“Philippine Airlines has turned over to the Philippine Bureau of Quarantine the necessary information that will enable them to carry out the contact tracing procedures on passengers of the said PAL flight,” PAL said.
Hong Kong Center for Health Protection Communicable Disease Branch head Dr. Chuang Shuk-kwan on Wednesday confirmed that the traveler from the Philippines tested positive for the new coronavirus variant.
“[Patient] 9003 took PR300 and arrived in Hong Kong on the 22nd of December from Philippines,” said Chuang, noting that other patients monitored from Dec. 22 to Jan. 4 who tested positive for the UK variant came from the United Kingdom and France.
Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III, meanwhile, said they have received the passenger’s information and started contact tracing procedures.
“Nakuha na natin ang pangalan at address. Pinaumpisahan na natin ang contact tracing para within 24 hours sana lahat ng na-expose ay pwede nang ma-quarantine,” Duque said in an interview over DZBB.
“Yes, isasama ‘yan (crew and flight attendants) sa contact tracing na isasagawa ng DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) at LGU (local government unit) dahil sila ang lead agency, kasama ng regional DOH,” he added.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire also assured the public that they are in talks with Hong Kong’s International Health Regulations focal point to secure information regarding the Hong Kong resident./PN
