Pinoys in HK advised: Avoid travel to South Korea, Middle East over MERS-CoV threat

Filipinos staying and working in Hong Kong were dissuaded from going to South Korea and the Middle East due to the threat from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

In a "MERS Alert," the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong on Thursday noted those who need to travel to those territories should take proper precautions.

"Filipinos are advised to avoid travel to South Korea and the Middle East. If travel is necessary, please avoid visiting health-care institutions and take extra precautionary measure such as wearing a mask and frequent hand washing," it said.

It also noted Hong Kong's Department of Health has raised the response level of the MERS Preparedness Plan to "Serious."

Hong Kong also issued a red travel alert for South Korea.

Citing figures from Hong Kong's Center for Health Protection, the Consulate General said 215 suspected cases have been recorded in Hong Kong, but all tested negative for MERS-CoV.

As of June 17, it said 161 MERS cases have been confirmed by South Korea, with 20 deaths.

Citing a report by the Korean health authority, all confirmed cases have contracted the infection in or within the hospital setting, it added. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News

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