PCG recommends COVID-19 rapid test for Filipino seafarers in 10 cruise ships

April 30, 2020

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recommended the use of Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to test Filipino seafarers from 10 cruise ships at the anchorage area of Manila Bay.

Commodore Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the use of this rapid test was recommended by PCG Commandant Admiral Joel Garcia so Filipino seafarers who test negative for COVID-19 pandemic will no longer have to undergo another 14-day quarantine.

"Within 48 hours, if they will be found negative they can already go home. That is the recommendation of Admiral Garcia together with the shipping company during their meeting the other day," he said.

"It looks feasible and maybe there is just a need to inform the higher authority," Balilo added.

Balilo said based on latest information there are approximately 2,000 to almost 3,000 Filipino seafarers manning the cruise ships at the Manila Bay anchorage area.

As of April 29, the PCG conducted rapid antibody testing for COVID-19 to 532 Filipino seafarers manning MS Queen Elizabeth, one of the cruise ships at the Manila Bay anchorage area. Robina Asido/DMS