3 more Filipinos in HK contract COVID-19

In this March 11, 2020 file photo, a technician prepares COVID-19 coronavirus patient samples for testing at a laboratory in New York’s Long Island. (AP file photo/John Minchillo)

MANILA, Philippines — Three more Filipinos in Hong Kong have been tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Philippine consulate general said Wednesday.

According to the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, the country’s health department informed them that the three new cases of COVID-19 among Filipinos were recorded since March 27.

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There are now 19 Filipino COVID-19 positive patients undergoing treatment in various hospitals in Hong Kong, the consulate general said.

Of the number, 11 are female while eight are male.

“The Philippine Consulate General is extending all necessary assistance to them,” the consulate general added.

It then appealed to the Filipino community in Hong Kong to stay at home whenever possible.

“Avoid crowded places when going out and follow recent regulation on social distancing that bans the gathering of more than 4 people in public places,” it said.

“Employers must respect the rest day of employees who choose to stay at home,” it added.

The latest figures from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) showed that 368 Filipinos have so far contracted the disease, 242 of which are currently undergoing treatment while 117 have already recovered.

The World Health Organization has earlier declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Globally, the virus already infected more than 785,800 people and killed more than 37,800 as of March 31.

On the other hand, over 165,655 people have recovered so far from the disease, which was caused by a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 that first emerged in China’s Wuhan City in Hubei province in late 2019.

Edited by JPV