By Roy Mabasa
A second Filipino working abroad was quarantined in Hong Kong following exposure to her employer who tested positive for 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Wednesday night.
The DFA’s confirmation came even as it assured the public that the Philippine government has a vigilant and tested plan to ensure the health and the welfare of Filipinos domestically and overseas amid concerns on the coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement, the DFA said the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong verified with local authorities the status of the second Filipino, a household service worker.
“Just like the first case, the said Filipino is healthy and asymptomatic, but needs to undergo 14-day quarantine based on Hong Kong’s protocol,” DFA said in the statement.
In assuring the public, the DFA added that it will continue to work closely with relevant government agencies to extend immediate assistance to Filipinos who are quarantined abroad.
“We urge our countrymen in affected areas worldwide to abide by the guidelines of host countries and take the necessary personal precautions to ensure their health and safety,” the foreign affairs office said.