Filipina domestic worker in Kuwait tests positive for coronavirus

MANILA, Philippines — A female overseas Filipino worker (OFW) serving as a domestic worker in Kuwait was tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a statement Thursday, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait said that the patient had a close contact with a person who traveled recently to the United Kingdom.

The OFW is in stable condition, as the embassy and Philippine Overseas Labor Office – Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) are currently monitoring her case.

The female domestic worker is the first confirmed Filipino case of COVID-19 in Kuwait, the embassy noted.

Health authorities of the Gulf State said the Filipina is in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy reminded all Filipinos in Kuwait to stay at home, follow the instructions of Kuwaiti authorities, and stay healthy during this time.

According to the Department of Health, there are 121 overseas Filipinos who tested positive of the coronavirus as of Thursday noon.

In the Philippines, there are currently 217 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 17 deaths.

Over 200,000 have been infected and nearly 9,000 have died because of the viral disease worldwide. Over 84,000 have recovered.

The virus, which was first detected in Hubei province of China late last year, causes mild symptoms such as fever and cough for most people but can cause serious illness such as pneumonia for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems.

To prevent infection, authorities are urging people to practice regular hand washing, cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and avoid close contact with those who show respiratory symptoms.

The World Health Organization now considers the COVID-19 crisis as a pandemic.

Edited by JPV