By Noreen Jazul
“Amazing” and “efficient” was how a Filipina teacher described the measures being done by the South Korean government to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
What an amazing country!!!💕🙏 I got back here from the Philippines last April 1st. The local health center called me to...Posted by Liezel Joy on Thursday, April 2, 2020
The moment she landed at the Incheon International Airport, Abano said she was asked to download a self-diagnosis app.
Through the app, Abano said the government of South Korea could track the health situation of all its residents.
According to Abano, they get checked by the government twice a day through the app.
“It was really efficient and a bit calming,” she told GMA News’ Stand For Truth, adding that she also received personalized communication from Ulsan’s city health center.
Upon arriving at the Ulsan PTX Station, Abano said she was immediately tested for COVID-19.
“It was really amazing how fast I got tested, all for free,” Abando said.
“They test every person, even if you’re a foreigner or a citizen, it doesn’t matter,” she added.
After the test, Abano said a limousine bus took her home.
When she arrived at her home, Abano was surprised to receive a comfort package of groceries and supplies which according to her estimate was worth at least P12,000.
“Akala ko nga hand sanitizer , mga masks at thermometer, tapos meron pa ring mga pagkain, wala ka talagang rason para lumabas ng bahay,” she said.
(I thought it was just sanitizer, masks, or a thermometer, but to my surprise, there was also food, which really gives you no reason to go out anymore.
Abano showed photos of the comfort package she received on Facebook and her post has since gone viral.
“I got this in my front door. Thank you so much, Korea, for taking care of your citizens and even foreigners. May pa love letter pa!” Abano wrote in her Facebook post.
Seven days into her quarantine, Abano requested for ginger tea from the public health center but instead received another comfort package.
As of writing, Abano has tested negative for COVID-19 and has finished her 14-day quarantine.
“Sana din ma experience ng mga kababayan ko diyan sa Pilipinas ang na experience ko dito sa South Korea," she said.
(I hope my fellow Filipinos in the Philippines also get to experience what I have experienced here in South Korea.)