PCG conducts rapid COVID-19 tests on at least 2,000 OFWs

May 5, 2020

The medical team of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) tested thousands of  Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in various quarantine facilities in Luzon this month.

A total of 2,099 OFWs underwent Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) testing for COVID-19 from May 2 to 4, the PCG said Tuesday.

The PCG said while waiting for test results and the issuance of their quarantine clearances, the OFWs are requested to remain in isolation and comply with  health protocols for their safety amid Covid-19 pandemic.

"Rest assured that once necessary clearances are issued, the Department of Transportation will provide transportation services so they may finally go home to their families," it stated.

Last Friday, PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia announced that the PCG Medical Team will be conducting RT-PCR testing to OFWs so they can immediately return to their families

On Tuesday afternoon, the PCG medical team also conduct rapid antibody testing to 128 returning OFWs from Japan at the One-Stop Shop in NAIA Terminal 2.

"Before the conduct of testing, they were briefed about the general quarantine measures in the country and were assisted in filling-up the health declaration forms," said PCG.

"After the testing, they will be escorted to the vehicle that will transport them to their designated facilities in Metro Manila where they shall serve the mandatory facility-based quarantine," it added.

As of Monday, the PCG Medical Team administered rapid antibody testing for a total of 10,771 returning OFWs at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 2. Robina Asido/DMS