By Roy Mabasa
The Philippines has recorded 10 new cases of Filipinos abroad who have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the latest total number to 535 as of April 6.
Based on the latest infographic released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the 10 new cases involving Filipino nationals comprise 6 deaths, three undergoing treatment, and one who has recovered or was released from the hospital.
In terms of overall deaths, the DFA noted a “sudden spike with an increasing trend” in the Americas since the start of of April compared to all other regions as reported by the World Health Organization.
As for COVID-19’s effect on Filipinos abroad, the DFA said the week started with a reduced number of new confirmed cases similar to yesterday’s figures, adding that the six new deaths came from the Americas and Europe.
DFA also said that many overseas Filipinos are situated in the North Americas, making them vulnerable to the trend. New York State, where tens of thousands of of Filipino immigrants are located, has become one of the epicenters of the coronavirus disease .