Filipino confined in UAE for COVID-19 currently unstable – DOH

MANILA, Philippines — The 43-year-old Filipino confined in a United Arab Emirates (UAE) hospital after testing positive for  COVID-19 is currently unstable, the Department of Health (DOH) revealed Monday.

The patient confirmed with COVID-19 on February 8 is one of two Filipinos being treated in UAE for the deadly disease.

“When he was admitted, he was already intubated, ibig sabihin naka-respirator na siya (meaning he’s on respirator already). Sa ngayon, ang report sa atin ng Embassy doon, unstable ‘yung condition niya (As of now, the report of the Embassy there to us is that his condition is unstable),” Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, DOH assistant secretary for public health services, said in a press briefing.

READ: DFA: Filipino in UAE contracts novel coronavirus

According to Vergeire, the patient went to a hospital due to difficulty in breathing, which is one of the symptoms of COVID-19.

On Saturday, the Department of Foreign Affairs described his condition as “not improving.”

Meanwhile, the second Filipino patient – a 34-year-old male – is now in stable condition, authorities said.

READ: Filipino among new cases of COVID-19 in UAE

Aside from the 59 Filipinos quarantined in the Diamond Princess cruise ship at Yokohama Port in Japan, two other Filipinos abroad have also tested positive for the virus: a domestic helper in Hong Kong who was taking care of someone who later tested positive for COVID-19, and a 41-year-old permanent resident in Singapore. Both are now in stable condition.

READ: Filipinos positive of COVID-19 in quarantined cruise ship up to 59

KGA