By Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Nine more Filipinos abroad have died of COVID-19, while 31 have contracted the virus, the Department of Foreign Affairs reported Saturday.
Department of Foreign Affairs (MANILA BULLETIN)
The DFA said a total of 868 overseas Filipinos have been infected with COVID-19 as of April 18, from the 837 recorded on Friday.
The new deaths bring the total number of Filipino fatalities to 115, from the previous 106.
The 31 new confirmed cases were from the Americas, Europe, and the Asia and the Pacific (ASPAC).
The nine new deaths are from the Americas and ASPAC, it added.
The department said the number of countries with confirmed Filipino COVID-19 patients also rose to 42.
"To date, almost 20 percent of the 213 countries, areas, or territories reported in the WHO (World Health Organization) Situation Report as of 17 April have confirmed COVID-19 cases among our nationals abroad," said its advisory.
Of the total confirmed cases, 255 patients have recovered (from 248) while 498 patients under treatment (from 438).
"Rest assured that efforts to assist and ensure the welfare of our overseas Filipinos will continue. Moreover, we reiterate that those who wish to return to the Philippines in this time of pandemic should coordinate with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate," the DFA said.