Brenda V. PimentelOne of the twelve seafarers who were found positive of the Covid-19 virus onboard MV "Athens Bridge" and who were disembarked from the ship and brought for treatment in Manila expired last Sunday. But one asks, what happens to a seafarer onboard who is found to have symptoms of the virus? Have medicine kits onboard been expanded to include medications and remedies for symptoms of the virus such as flu and the likes. The family asks the government to probe what in the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006 would support the introduction of additional protection of Filipino seafarers against the covid-19 virus, especially so that seafarers may not be in the most convenient place when the virus attacks. A related question that begs to be answered is how the government ensures that the remains of a Filipino seafarer who dies of the covid-19 virus is properly handled upon arrival at a Philippine seaport/airport.

Source: Manila Times June 02, 2021 00:11 UTC