The Municipality of Bataraza is now waiting for the COVID-19 swab test result of its male overseas Filipino returnee who arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPIA) through a mercy flight Thursday last week, May 28, whose rapid diagnostic test (RDT) turned out reactive.
Mayor Abraham Ibba of Bataraza town told Palawan Daily News (PDN) Friday, June 5, that a swab specimen was already collected from this male returning overseas Filipino (ROF), with the result expected to be released by around Sunday.
“Ito ay ‘yong dumating noong 28 na sa mercy flight. Ito po ay ni-release ng OWWA, so kaya natin tinanggap, ng province, ay [dahil] kumpleto naman ang mga medical clearance. Do not panic, so ang term nating ginagamit [ay] siya ay nag-reactive lang sa RDT test. Manalangin tayong lahat po, sana naman ay mag-negative [ang resulta ng COVID-19 swab test],” said Ibba.
“Noong isang araw [siya kinunan ng swab specimen]. So probably ang result more or less mga Sunday,” he added.
Mayor Ibba stated his town has a total of two ROFs as of the press time, of whom one resulted reactive on his RDT test.
Ibba added this around 30-year old male ROF is presently isolated at their health facility.
“Nasa mabuting kalagayan naka-isolate sa ating [facility] sa may RHU. At saka medyo malakas naman ang kaniyang pangangatawan, parang sa kung tingnan mo talagang walang sakit eh,” he said.
“So far ang naka-isolate siya lang naman. Iyong iba nasa quarantine area naman natin, ‘yong kasabay niya. Siya lang talaga sa isang room,” added Ibba.
He said while his town has only two ROFs as of the press time including this male who is presently waiting for the COVID-19 swab test result, Bataraza has already received many Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs).
He further stated Bataraza town has two isolation rooms for the same probable case, with the one currently being occupied by this ROF.
“Sa RHU meron tayo rito two isolation rooms. Iyong isa nagamit niya na, so may vacant pa tayong isa halimbawa magkaroon [pa]. Pero sana huwag na madagdagan,” said Ibba.