Filipino domestic workers arriving at Hong Kong airport will undergo measles immunization test to prevent a measles outbreak in the Chinese territory.
The South China Sea Morning Post reported that the test would involve taking blood test among Filipino workers who were newly recruited or have just returned from the Philippines for a brief vacation.
The “pilot service” is “voluntary,” the paper said quoting HK’s health officials.
It will start on Tuesday, April 30, from 9am to 1pm; then on May 2 and May 7. Around 200 Filipino maids may avail of the test
There are 67 measles cases in Hong Kong this year, the highest annual number in a decade.
Of these cases, six so far came from the Philippines, four of them are Filipino domestic helpers and another one is a foreigner who recently visited the Philippines
“Participants will be informed of the results individually and measles vaccinations will be provided to those who do not test positive for measles antibody,” Hong Kong’s Department of Health spokesman said.
A Filipino community leader decried the measure as “discriminatory.”
“Singling out a specific group of people is very wrong. It sends a very dangerous message that all domestic workers from the Philippines are suspected of carrying measles,” Eman Villanueva, vice chairman of the Filipino Migrant Workers’ Union, said.
