The number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who contracted the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Hong Kong has climbed to 221, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office said on Thursday, Mar. 3.

POLO-Hong Kong Labor Attache Melchor Dizon said that out of the 221, a total of 43 individuals have already recovered while others remained in hospitals, with their employers, in government quarantine facilities, non-government organization (NGO) facilities, or hotels.

On the other hand, there were alo swveral OFWs others waiting for the call and assistance of Hong Kong’s Center for Health Protection in their boarding houses, Dizon said.

“Dito sa 221 mayroon na tayong 43 na nakarecover, mayroon tayong 95 na nasa bahay ng employers, 'yung nasa government quarantine facilities ay 22, 'yung mga nasa NGO facilities ay 22 din, 'yung mga nags-stay pa sa boarding house ay 23, hotel facilities ay six, at 'yung nasa hospital ay eight (Out of these 221 OFWs, 43 recovered, 95 are with their employers, 22 in government quarantine facilities, 22 in NGO facilities, 23 in boarding houses, six in hotels, and eight in hospitals),” he disclosed in Laging Handa briefing.

Dizon said Hong Kong had zero reported COVID-19 cases during the early part of January. However, in the same month, cases suddenly climbed to 100.

From 6,000 cases during early February, cases rapidly increased to around 55,000 now.

“Noong Mar. 1, 32,000 na at sa kasamaang palad on Mar. 2 ang reported cases ay 55,000 na (On Mar. 1, cases climbed to 32,000 and unfortunately on Mar. 2, cases reached 55,000),” he added.

To combat the upsurge of COVID-19 cases, the Hong Kong government strictly implemented social distancing and temporarily banned social gatherings. They also required vaccine passes in establishments such as gyms and restaurants, according to Dizon.

This month, the said country will also conduct mass testing for its permanent and temporary residents and OFWs for three consecutive weeks.

In the case of terminated OFWs due to COVID-19 infection, Dizon explained that they had already convinced three employers who reconsidered their decision.

In an earlier statement, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said employers who illegally terminate Filipino workers would be blacklisted, citing the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

Likewise, Dizon highlighted that employers who violate employment ordinance need to pay a fine of HK$100,000 or over P650,000.

To help the OFWs affected by the COVID surge and those who got infected, Dizon said that the agency will provide food assistance, hygiene kits, power banks, and $200 (over P10,000) and financial aid upon their recovery.