6 OFWs suspected with MERS-CoV released from UAE hospital

Six overseas Filipino workers initially diagnosed to have the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been released from a hospital after they were declared negative of the virus strain, the Department of Labor and Employment said Friday.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said this was based on a report from Labor Attache to Abu Dhabi Angel Borja. She did not name the six OFWs to protect their privacy.

“They had been released from hospital," Baldoz said, even as a news release from the DOLEindicated the OFWs were declared negative of the virus strain after two consecutive tests.

In the meantime, Baldoz said the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are working with the Philippine Embassy and with the Filipino communities in the UAE to raise awareness about MERS-CoV.

She said they are also helping disseminate information on precautionary measures against the virus.

“Our POLOs are one with the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi in making representation with the host country's local health authorities, not only in securing correct and relevant information, but also in protecting Filipinos in the medical and allied professions," she said.

Qatar

In Qatar, meanwhile, Labor Attache Leopoldo de Jesus said Qatar's Supreme Council of Health (SCH) has intensified its monitoring of MERS-CoV cases, and stepped up preparations on how to deal with MERS-CoV cases.

He cited published reports indicating a medical team with high-level experts created by the SCH is now visiting all medical clinics and other private and government hospitals to determine their readiness to cope with the cases.

The team is also working with the Ministry of Environment by organizing training courses for employees and medical staff regarding the latest development on the MERS-CoV, De Jesus added.

De Jesus also reported to Baldoz that Qatar and other Gulf countries are coordinating to ensure the prevention of the disease, and that the SCH is continuing a national survey to identify the factors that caused the infection and the source of the disease.

“On our part, the POLO and the Philippine Embassy in Doha continue to conduct an information campaign on MERS-CoV among various OFW community organizations in Qatar and among OFW visitors to the POLO. Our welfare officer is also conducting regular visits to Hamad Hospital, a government hospital, to check if there are cases of MERS-CoV, or if any OFW is affected or showing infection of the virus,” he said. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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