Number of Filipinos abroad infected with COVID-19 now over 1,800 — DFA

Department of Foreign Affairs building. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The number of Filipinos abroad who have been infected with the latest coronavirus strain has reached 1,819, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirms.

The DFA on Monday said that of the number, 1,130 are still receiving treatment from various health institutions around the world.  Most of the new cases, numbering 68, came from European countries.

The death toll is now at 214, with four new casualties from the Middle East; 475 patients have either recovered or were discharged.

“The total number of COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad has breached the 1,800th mark today due to the increase of 68 new confirmed cases recorded mostly from Europe,” DFA said in a statement.

“There are also 4 new recoveries and 4 new deaths confirmed in the same region and in the Middle East.  Of the total number of reported cases, the DFA confirms that over 140 are ship crew members,” it added.

Majority of the cases among Filipinos abroad came from Europe, with 575 cases, 73 of which have already died, followed by the Americas — which has the highest death toll at 120 out of 488 cases — then by Middle East/ Africa (383), and the Asia Pacific region (373).

Meanwhile, DFA announced that ongoing repatriation of Filipinos stranded may slow down as flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) are suspended until May 10, to avoid the spread of the disease.

As of April 25, the department said that they have brought at least 20,000 Filipinos back home after the COVID-19 pandemic forced work and travel suspension.

“DFA repatriation efforts slow down due to the temporary suspension of flight operations at NAIA  until 10 May 2020 as another measure of the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that our OFWs are adequately attended to upon their arrival,” DFA said.

“Returning Filipinos affected by this suspension are advised to contact the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate where they are currently located. Their contact details may be accessed through OFW Help Facebook page and the DFA website,” it noted.

JPV