By Roy Mabasa
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday reported a 31.6 percent spike in the number of overseas Filipinos with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases compared to last week’s figures.
As of April 14, 2020, the total number of affected Filipinos abroad is now at 704, including 44 new cases, 22 new recoveries and four reported deaths in the Americas and Europe.
Overall, 400 Filipinos with confirmed COVID-19 cases are undergoing treatment, 216 have either recovered or discharged from the hospital, while 88 have succumbed to the disease.
“From a week of reflection in observance of the Holy Week, the DFA records a 31.6% increase in the confirmed COVID-19 cases among our OFs (overseas Filipinos) in the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East/Africa compared to figures last week, which gives a total of 704 confirmed cases as of today,” the foreign affairs office said.
Through the country’s various Embassies and Consulates worldwide, the DFA assured it will continue to partner with local health authorities and agencies in ensuring proper implementation of preventive measures and restrictions, and will remain steadfast in its commitment to attend to the needs of Filipinos abroad affected by the pandemic.