Around 264 locally stranded individuals (LSI) went through the health screening procedure upon arrival at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal from Manila on Tuesday.
The LSIs, who were immediately screened and swabbed for coronavirus, arrived in three batches through the Hatid Probinsya Program of the national government. Of the number, 158 are Davao City residents.
“Upon arrival, they filled out contact tracing forms so they can be monitored. We have also provided vehicles to bring them home to make sure they go straight home,” said Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, the Head of the City Health Office (CHO).
Their swab test results are expected to come out this week.
Villafuerte said the passengers took Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) before their departure from Manila and those who turned out negative were permitted to travel. Although they tested negative, the LSIs were still subjected to reversed transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing to make sure that they are not exposed to the coronavirus while travelling.
The LSIs also need to go on 14-day strict home quarantine and to monitor their health for any manifestation of symptoms within the 14 days. They can contact the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and their nearest District Health Office if they experience symptoms.
Davao City is still expecting more LSIs and returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) under the Hatid Probinsya Program. CIO
