The Department of Foreign Affairs on Monday held an emergency meeting with Health officials and sought guidance on the possible evacuation of Filipino workers in coronavirus-hit Wuhan City in China.
Led by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, the DFA and Department of Health officials discussed strategies on how to respond to the emergency brought about by the novel coronavirus outbreak in China and other countries.
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“The DFA sought DOH’s guidance on the establishment of protocols on evacuation and repatriation of Filipinos in Wuhan City and other affected cities and provinces, as well as formulation of further health advisories for overseas Filipinos in affected countries, including DOH hotlines in every Foreign Service Post in China that they can directly call,” a department statement said.
There are around 150 Filipinos in Wuhan.
Although there has been no report of any Filipino abroad affected by the said virus, the DOH urged them to take precautions.
Health Undersecretary for Public Health Services Myrna Cabotaje advised overseas Filipinos in affected areas to avoid crowded places, use mask and gloves, and practice proper hygiene in order to reduce exposure to and transmission of said virus, which was first detected in December.
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“Philippine embassies and consulates general in China and affected areas, continues to reach out to overseas Filipinos to take necessary precautions and follow the advice from local health authorities in their area,” the DFA said.
It is also in close coordination with the Filipino communities in calling for volunteer nurses and doctors who may serve as first responders for the overseas Filipinos in affected areas, the DFA added.
