MANILA, Philippines — At least seven Filipinos in New York City in the United States have died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a virtual press briefing, Philippine Consul General in New York City Claro Cristobal said that “several dozen” more Filipinos were infected by the respiratory disease in the US city.
“Sa katotohanan, ang ating mga kababayan dito ay marahil katulad sa atin sa Pilipinas na maingat kaya ilan lamang sa kanila ang naaapektuhan ng COVID-19. Subalit nakalulungkot na pito na sa ating mga kababayan ang nasawi dahilan sa sakit na ito,” Cristobal said.
“At ilang dosena ang kasalukuyang nasa ospital at inilalaban ang kanilang buhay dahil sa COVID-19,” he added.
The diplomat urged Filipinos in New York to follow the rules and guidelines of local health authorities and stay at home to avoid contracting the disease.
According to Cristobal, there are 143,000 Filipinos in New York, most of whom are immigrants that are already “established” earners.
However, he said Filipinos there on a short term stay such as teachers and hotel and restaurant personnel are more vulnerable to the effects of stringent measures against COVID-19.
Filipinos who wish to ask for assistance from the Philippine Embassy may reach them through its official Facebook account and website, Cristobal said.
Latest data from the Johns Hopkins University & Medicine Coronavirus Resource Center showed the US has over 245,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, more than 6,053 deaths and 9,148 recoveries.
Worldwide, the disease, which originated from Hubei, China, has infected over 1 million people in more than 180 countries and territories. Global death toll currently stands at 53, 146 although 211, 615 were able to recover.
The International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses named the novel coronavirus as SARS-CoV-2 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. It 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.