2 OFWs in India succumb to COVID-19, 20 others infected

A patient with breathing problem is rushed to a hospital for treatment, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ahmedabad, India, April 15, 2021. REUTERS/Amit Dave

MANILA, Philippines — Two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in India have succumbed to COVID-19 while 20 others were infected amid the surge of cases in the South Asian country, Philippine Ambassador to India Ramon Bagatsing Jr. said Tuesday.

Bagatsing said the two OFWs reportedly contracted the COVID-19 on April 23 and died on April 26.

He said both of the OFWs are in a managerial level but he refused to divulge more information.

“It’s really very very fast. Parang traydor talaga itong virus na ito. Ang buong India ay naghihirap,” he said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

Meanwhile, all 20 Filipinos in India who have contracted the severe respiratory illness are currently confined and isolated.

“Lahat sila confined at isolated. We communicate through social media or phones and they tell us what they need. We try to find a way to bring it to their doorstep,” Bagatsing said.

He added that there are about 2,000 Filipinos in India, and about 80% of them are housewives.

Only about 70 are OFWs, who are mostly working in managerial positions, Bagatsing said.

gsg