6 more Filipinos abroad die of COVID-19; 17 new confirmed cases recorded – DFA
By Roy Mabasa
Six more Filipinos abroad died of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while 17 new confirmed cases were recorded by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, bringing the total number of cases among overseas Filipinos to 6,091.
According to the latest DFA tally, the total number of nationals abroad who have recovered from the disease is now at 2,843 with one new recovery recorded in Asia and the Pacific.
The total number of fatalities is now 472 with six new deaths in Europe and the Middle East. Those who remain under treatment are at 2,776.
As countries, including the Philippines, continue to transition into the “new normal,” the DFA along with its Foreign Service Posts, assured Filipinos abroad of its continued service and assistance whenever possible.
Also on Thursday, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Joseph Del Mar Yap said the majority of the 150 Filipinos who were infected with COVID-19 have been discharged or fully recovered while the remaining 48 are still undergoing treatment in hospitals and isolation wards in the island-state.
Earlier, the DFA facilitated the return of more than 300 Filipino crewmembers of cruise ship MV/Mein Schiff from Germany and another batch composed of 1,015 crewmembers of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines from Barbados.
Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Philippine government has repatriated more than 40,000 OFWs, both sea-based and land-based, whose job placements were affected by the pandemic.