Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Friday reassured that all 38 Filipino seafarers aboard the MV Hondius vessel tested negative from the hantavirus, as some of them are undergoing strict quarantine in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
In a media briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Friday, Cacdac said that the 21 Filipino crew members are already in the Netherlands under quarantine and observation, while the remaining 17 on board the Hondius are expected to arrive in Rotterdam on Monday.
The remaining seafarers will also undergo testing and monitoring upon arrival in the Dutch city.
“They all tested negative. We don’t know anyone who is symptomatic at this stage. That’s for the 21 who are in the Netherlands,” Cacdac told reporters.
“The remaining 17 on board that will arrive in Rotterdam on Monday will be subjected to some testing and observation,” he added.
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The DMW chief also said that medical personnel onboard the Hondius continue to implement strict health protocols while the ship is on its way to Rotterdam.
He assured that the remaining Filipinos on board the virus-hit vessel “are being closely monitored and provided the necessary medical support and assistance.”
“The DMW, together with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Embassy officials, continues to closely monitor the condition of the Filipino seafarers and extends assistance to both the crew members and their families,” the agency said.