Government agencies are now investigating a report that an individual was allowed to leave the hotel where he was staying even before the quarantine period ended.
The individual was quarantined because she was allegedly from another country. It was also learned that she went out to meet friends at a party and later tested positive for COVID-19.
“All agencies involved are currently meeting, and we will release information once complete,” said the Department of Health (DOH) in a statement Thursday.
The Department of Tourism and Tourism Congress of the Philippines are also part of the investigation.
“Hindi pa kami masyadong sinabihan kung ano ang timeline. Ang nabanggit lang nag-positive, lumabas, tapos ‘yon, nakagala na yata… gina-gather pa kasi ang details,” said Tourism Congress of the Philippines President Jojo Clemente.
A man contacted ABS-CBN to say that he had second-degree exposure to a friend who was with the alleged violator at the party.
The man allegedly took an antigen test after the said violator was positive, and he also tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-positive attends party, did not finish quarantine
The hotel where the violator is quarantined is also being investigated, and what happened is being explained.
If the hotel is found to be negligent, its accreditation may be suspended.
According to the DOH, non-compliance with quarantine protocols violates Republic Act No. 11332 or Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Philippine College of Physicians stressed that violating the protocols has far-reaching effects.
“From one person lang, puwedeng manghawa ng 10, hanggang 20, hanggang 30… itong mahahawaan niya, puwedeng na namang manghawa,” said Limpin.
“Kahit na nag-test tayong negative sa pinanggalingan natin, kailangan natin suguraduhin na pagdating natin dito magne-negative pa rin tayo,” she added.
Meanwhile, the number of patients with COVID-19 has slightly increased in some hospitals in Metro Manila and the number of those falling ill.
, at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila, the number of COVID-19 patients rose to 65 on Wednesday from 13 on December 25.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.