An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from the UAE who recently arrived in his hometown in Mandaue, has tested positive for COVID-19 despite receiving two doses of Sinopharm’s vaccine.
The UAE is among the first countries that have rolled out its national immunization campaign against COVID-19.
Vaccinated OFW from UAE Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Mandaue City
According to the Manila Bulletin, the OFW received his first dose of the vaccine on December 12, followed by the second dose on January 2. He arrived in Cebu City on January 5, where he was placed on quarantine until January 20. On Feb. 8 he was given another swab test, which turned out positive.
Five members of his household also contracted the virus, all of which were placed on quarantine in their home.
A representative from the Department of Health explained that Sinopharm’s vaccine might have been incapable of protecting people from certain variants of the coronavirus, which would explain why the worker tested positive.
“[T]here are [also] no solid scientific studies yet as to the length of immunity that a vaccine can give,” she added. “It’s highly probable that the immunity that the vaccine has given as protection has not kicked off yet.”
The report noted that the worker is asymptomatic, while three of his family members are experiencing coughs.
In line with this, the Philippines ranked #2 in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, with 553, 424 recorded as of February 17.
This number includes 11,577 deaths and 512,033 recoveries. The Duterte government has yet to start its vaccination program, unlike neighbouring countries Indonesia and Singapore.
Meanwhile, officials in charge of the country’s vaccination program could not give a definite date for the start of inoculation. Despite the absence of the much-needed drug, the government conducted a simulation exercise to prepare for the vaccine’s arrival.
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