By Leslie Ann Aquino
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III said on Thursday a 58-year old overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates died of coronavirus last month.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III
(ROBINSON NIÑAL JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In an interview, he said the domestic helper from General Santos City died on Jan. 28. "Initially, it was not coronavirus. That was the Feb. 1 report, but on Feb. 2 it was coronavirus," said Bello. "I met the daughter earlier and they are going there." According to Bello, the woman’s death was relayed to them by their labor attache in Dubai. When asked if it was the 2019 novel coronavirus, the labor chief said he didn't see this. "It’s coronavirus. I didnt see nCoV." He said they are currently assisting the family of the OFW. "The sister of the OFW wants to go there and probably bring home the remains. She is bringing with her the daughter, the only child of the OFW, so we are assisting them. We have to get some clearances for the minor. In the meantime, we will provide for their stay here." Meanwhile, Bello said they will also assist the Filipino seafarer who tested positive for the 2019 nCov in Japan. "We will give all the assistance. And besides the manning agency is providing all the assistance," he said. The Filipino was among those on board a cruise ship who tested positive for the disease. READ MORE: China virus death tolls rises to 560: govt
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III(ROBINSON NIÑAL JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In an interview, he said the domestic helper from General Santos City died on Jan. 28. "Initially, it was not coronavirus. That was the Feb. 1 report, but on Feb. 2 it was coronavirus," said Bello. "I met the daughter earlier and they are going there." According to Bello, the woman’s death was relayed to them by their labor attache in Dubai. When asked if it was the 2019 novel coronavirus, the labor chief said he didn't see this. "It’s coronavirus. I didnt see nCoV." He said they are currently assisting the family of the OFW. "The sister of the OFW wants to go there and probably bring home the remains. She is bringing with her the daughter, the only child of the OFW, so we are assisting them. We have to get some clearances for the minor. In the meantime, we will provide for their stay here." Meanwhile, Bello said they will also assist the Filipino seafarer who tested positive for the 2019 nCov in Japan. "We will give all the assistance. And besides the manning agency is providing all the assistance," he said. The Filipino was among those on board a cruise ship who tested positive for the disease. READ MORE: China virus death tolls rises to 560: govt