One of the members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) says there is a need to
tighten the protocols that apply to the repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW),
Dr. Jefferson Ong, president of Bohol Medical Society (BMS) who happens a member
of TWG said there is a need to tighten the protocols in relation to the acceptance and
quarantine of repatriated OFWs.
The tightened protocol is to assure that no local transmission will not happen.
Ong relayed the current situation of the Covid-19 in the province during the interview.
The new set of protocols was formed following the meeting of the medical team of the
TWG, with Gov. Arthur Yap and provincial administrator Kathyrin Pioquinto, according
to reports.
Ong said the repatriation of OFWs is suspended pending the formulation of the tighter
protocols.
The doctor added that there were OFWs that tested positive based on the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) test conducted last April 28, 2020.
Moreover, Ong said those involved in the quarantine of the OFWs ensuring they are
properly isolated lowering the chances of local transmission.
Last Saturday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported that there were two OFWs
who tested positive for the infection of the virus. Ong said as far as the doctors in the
technical team are concerned the two cases are indeed positive despite the claims that
the results are inconclusive.
Ong said he was unaware that there was an alleged violation of social distancing rules
that happened between the OFWs and their respective relatives inside a resort.
The doctor apologized for any lapse in the protocol especially on social distancing and
promised to adjust the protocols accordingly.
On the issue of the bus used to transport the OFWs from the Tagbilaran sea port to the
quarantine facility, he assures the public that all disinfection protocols were observed
and the driver had no close contact with the OFWs.