By Roy Mabasa The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday sought the guidance of the Department of Health on the establishment of evacuation protocols for Filipinos who will be repatriated from affected areas in China, specifically from Wuhan City which is considered ground zero of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Jose Eduardo Malaya III (Photo from RTVMalacanang Youtube channel | Manila Bulletin) Acting DFA Secretary J. Eduardo Malaya, who led an emergency meeting with health experts, also batted for the formulation of further health advisories for overseas Filipinos, including DOH hotlines in every Foreign Service post in China that they can call. At the meeting, DOH Undersecretary for Public Health Services Myrna Cabotaje advised overseas Filipinos in affected areas to avoid crowded places, use masks and gloves, and practice proper hygiene in order to reduce exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus. To date, the DFA said there is no report of any Filipino abroad affected by the said virus. The foreign affairs office also said they continue to reach out to Filipinos in affected areas in China through its embassies and various consulates general. They urged Filipinos to take the necessary precautions and follow the advice of local health authorities in their areas. In close coordination with the Filipino communities, the DFA is calling for volunteer nurses and doctors who may serve as first responders for their kababayans (countrymen) in affected areas.