MANILA, Philippines — No Filipino in Iran has been infected by the coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday as the outbreak worsened in the Middle Eastern nation.
Iran is now considered to be among the COVID-19 hotspots with 15 deaths out of nearly 100 reported infections.
The spike in COVID-19 cases prompted the DFA to advise all Filipinos residing in Iran to comply with the directives of health officials there to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus.
“To date, there is no report of Filipinos in Iran infected by COVID-19,” the DFA said.
“Filipinos in Iran are reminded to follow the DOH advisory on preventive measures, such as: hand hygiene, avoiding symptomatic individuals, proper coughing etiquette, avoiding contact with farm animals, consuming enough water, cooking food thoroughly and immediately consulting a doctor when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Also, avoid unnecessary travel and public gatherings for the time being,” it added.
The DFA also said that the Philippine Embassy in Tehran was ready to provide assistance to Filipinos in distress through its Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Hotline, +98 912 2136801.
The virus has killed more than 2,700 people and infected over 78,000 in China where it originated.
/atm