By Roy Mabasa
About 50 Filipinos in Wuhan City, ground zero of the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV), have signified their intention to be repatriated back to the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday.
People wearing facemasks to help stop the spread of a deadly virus which began in the city, wait at Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan on January 24, 2020. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)
“About 50 so far have indicated desire to leave. Any repatriation would need to consider their safety in coordination with Chinese authorities’ approval,” DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez told reporters.
The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai put the number of Filipinos in Hubei Province, which has jurisdiction over Wuhan, to about 300.
Those who signified to be repatriated were mostly from Wuhan, according to Meñez.
“Everything is still being coordinated and considered so no details yet – as was mentioned. It may be safer to stay put,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Philippine government announced that it is ready to dispatch flights to China to fetch Filipinos who may need to be repatriated.
Read more: PH to make available special flights to repatriate Filipinos from Wuhan City
People wearing facemasks to help stop the spread of a deadly virus which began in the city, wait at Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan on January 24, 2020. (Photo by Hector RETAMAL / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)
“About 50 so far have indicated desire to leave. Any repatriation would need to consider their safety in coordination with Chinese authorities’ approval,” DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez told reporters.
The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai put the number of Filipinos in Hubei Province, which has jurisdiction over Wuhan, to about 300.
Those who signified to be repatriated were mostly from Wuhan, according to Meñez.
“Everything is still being coordinated and considered so no details yet – as was mentioned. It may be safer to stay put,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Philippine government announced that it is ready to dispatch flights to China to fetch Filipinos who may need to be repatriated.
Read more: PH to make available special flights to repatriate Filipinos from Wuhan City