PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte, June 2, 2020–Virus-conscious townsfolk here have nothing to worry about after it was declared that the 19 Bicolano fishermen who docked at Brgy. Balaoi this town were found negative in coronavirus 2019 laboratory test, officials said.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer Marcel Tabije confirmed that the 19 fishermen from Bicol region are undergoing a 14-day quarantine inside their fishing vessel at Balaoi.
He said they were subjected to the mandatory COVID test and the result was all negative.
PDRRM record showed that the fishermen arrived in Papudpud on May 22.
They claimed their purpose here as to set up fish cages locally called “Payao”.
During their isolation for the 14-day quarantine, it was learned that the fishing company that hired them is the one giving their food supply and other needs.
On the other hand, the government agencies such as the LGU-Pagudpud, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard, PDRRM,
DOH frontliners, and others are constantly monitoring the overall condition of the stranded fishermen who will end their quarantine on July 5. (tri-media report)
