The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said more than 100 Filipinos in Hong Kong have so far contracted COVID-19 amid a surge of infections reported there in early February.
In a Laging Handa press briefing on Monday, Feb. 28, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola said a total of 108 Filipinos in the Chinese territory have so far confirmed to be positive for COVID-19.
Of this number, Arriola said 77 have already reached out to the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong for assistance.
"The Hong Kong consulate, sa tulong na rin po ng mga kababayan nation doon at ng mga non-government organizations (NGOs), ay nakahanap na ng quarantine facilities para sa kanila (with the help of our fellow Filipinos there and NGOs have already prepared quarantine facilities for them)," she added.
The foreign affairs official also assured that the Philippine Consulate is always ready to assist all Filipinos in Hong Kong who would be needing any help amid the pandemic.
"Nakahanda po and konsulado na mag-assist sa kahit sinong Pilipino na nangangailanagn ng tulong (The Consulate is ready to assist any Filipinos who need help)," Arriola said.
Aside from the Philippine government efforts to address these issues, Arriola said that Hong Kong was able to adjust to the situation as it opened up a new quarantine facility with a 20,000-bed capacity.
"Things are getting better but we continue to pray for them and the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong stands ready for any Filipinos who need help," Arriola added.