Close contacts of OFW in HK test negative for UK COVID-19 variant — DOH
MANILA, Philippines — The close contacts of the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who tested positive for the new and more infectious COVID-19 UK variant on arrival in Hong Kong tested negative for the more infectious variant, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Thursday.
In a virtual press briefing, Vergeire said the “contacts tested positive on PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing but most had CT values >30, interpreted as detected with low viral load.”
“On whole-genome sequencing, the UK variant was NOT DETECTED among contacts in NCR and Cagayan,” she said.
“However, given their exposure, we give more precedence to their initial results which showed all cases were positive,” Vergeire added.
She also said that the close contacts remain under strict quarantine and are currently under close monitoring.
/MUF
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