DFA, DOH hold emergency meeting over coronavirus response in China

January 27, 2020

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday held an emergency meeting with health officials and sought guidance to protect Filipino workers in coronavirus-hit Wuhan City in China.

So far, there have been no reports of Filipinos being affected by the virus, the DFA said. There are around 150 Fipinos in Wuhan. 

Presided by Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, the DFA and Department of Health  discussed ways on how to respond to the emergency.

"The DFA sought DOH’s guidance on the establishment of protocols on evacuation and repatriation of Filipinos in Wuhan City and other affected cities and provinces, as well as formulation of further health advisories for overseas Filipinos in affected countries, including DOH hotlines in every Foreign Service Post in China that they can directly call," a department statement said.

Health Undersecretary for Public Health Services Myrna Cabotaje advised overseas Filipinos in affected areas to avoid crowded places, use mask and gloves, and practice proper hygiene to reduce exposure to and transmission of the virus.

"Philippine embassies and consulates general in China and affected areas, continues to reach out to overseas Filipinos to take necessary precautions and follow the advice from local health authorities in their area," the DFA said. DMS