Aussie who tested positive for COVID-19 in Palawan recovers

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—The first recorded coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive in Palawan, an Australian national who has already left the country, has recovered from the deadly disease.

The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU), in an advisory issued Friday (as of 3 p.m., March 27), said that the COVID-patient, a 26-year-old Australian who flew out of the province on March 17 has recovered as verified by the Australian authorities.

“Our communication with Australian authorities on his status has been continuous since he has history [of travel] with us. They told the RESU that he has recovered,” said Geraldine Perez, health education and promotion officer of the DOH.

The Australian national traveled to the Philippines on March 5, and arrived at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPIA) and immediately proceeded to a certain municipality on March 7.

He first showed symptoms late March 12 and was admitted to a government hospital as a person under investigation (PUI).

The patient was discharged on March 15 after showing “mild symptoms”and was allowed to travel back home in Australia, pending his result on March 17.

He was confirmed to be COVID-positive on March 20, and has recovered on Friday, March 27.

Meanwhile, Palawan currently has 82 persons under investigation (PUI) under COVID-watch, but only two PUIs are awaiting test results.

“‘The others are just under strict home quarantine monitoring. It means they only have mild symptoms, non-elderly, or have no severe illness so there is no need to test but for strict monitoring. If there would be [negative] progress, and they are admitted, its the only time they will be tested,” Perez added.

The other four PUIs, that already tested negative, remained at the hospital being treated for other illness.