Navy vessel on lockdown after 22 personnel positive for COVID-19

October 1, 2020

A Philippine Navy vessel was placed on lockdown after 22 personnel tested positive for coronavirus disease ( COVID-19) last week.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, acting Navy public affairs director, said "the 22 personnel of BRP Quezon who tested positive for COVID-19 in San Fernando City, La Union after undergoing swab testing on September 25 are now in isolation facilities inside the Naval Base Cavite."

"They are asymptomatic. The  one who has a cough and cold is already admitted to a quarantine facility in Ninoy Aquino Stadium," she said.

"They are under round the clock monitoring by the Fleet Medical Unit (FMU) of the Philippine Fleet. The FMU is currently coordinating for their immediate transfer to quarantine facilities in Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Rizal Memorial Center upon slot availability for a more comprehensive medical attention," she added.

Roxas said BRP Quezon underwent misting and decontamination.

"The 25 other personnel who are negative for the coronavirus remain inside BRP Quezon for a strict 14-day quarantine period," she said.

"The San Fernando City Health Office will facilitate the re-swabbing of the quarantined crew within the week," she added.

Roxas said "the Philippine Navy is steadfast in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 within its rank by strictly adhering to the health and biosafety protocols prescribed by the IATF-EID." Robina Asido/DMS