4 close contacts of girl who skipped quarantine now have COVID-19

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire talks with reporters via Zoom meeting in this file photo taken on April 23, 2020. INQUIRER.net file photo / Daphne Galvez

MANILA, Philippines — Four of the 15 close contacts of the Filipina who arrived from the United States and skipped quarantine requirements to attend a party in Makati City have been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Monday.

DOH Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said the close contacts are now in home isolation.

“Apat doon sa 15 (Four of the 15) identified close contacts have tested positive and are currently undergoing isolation in their respective homes,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.

“The close contacts are strictly following the measures needed to further stop virus transmission and they are being closely monitored by our local government units,” she added.

Vergeire reminded those who interacted with the quarantine violator to monitor themselves and isolate as soon as they experience symptoms.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat earlier bared that the quarantine violator tested positive for COVID-19 after skipping quarantine requirements then later found attending a party in Poblacion, Makati City.

The tourism chief noted that the Filipina involved had admitted that she did not check in at the hotel where she was supposed to undergo quarantine as a requirement for returning Filipinos.

Vergeire said the quarantine violator is still in isolation and appeared to be asymptomatic.

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