MANILA, June 23 — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Monday that while there are no Filipinos in South Korea suspected of carrying Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) at present, migrant workers strictly observe precautions to prevent the spread of the infection.
Philippine Overseas Labor Office in South Korea (POLO) reported to DOLE that they have not received any information from the Filipino Community or Korean authorities of any Filipino suspected or infected with MERS-CoV.
The report also indicates that workplaces and training centers of foreign workers in South Korea strictly observe preventive and precautionary steps against the spread of MERS-CoV.
The POLO sent through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) International Labor Affairs Bureau photo documentations of Filipino workers in South Korea who are all rigorously observing safety measures versus MERS-CoV.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, has directed the POLO to continue monitoring the incidents and developments on MERS-CoV and to assist the Philippine Embassy as well as Korean authorities in all its public health and safety campaigns.
Secretary Baldoz reminded OFWs in South Korea to always be aware and vigilant, and to heed public health advisories of the authorities in curbing the spread of infection.
“This is a public health challenge that we should be concerned. Please continue taking all the necessary precaution,” Baldoz said.
The Philippine Embassy (PE) in South Korea has issued a health advisory to all OFWs, enjoining them among others, to avoid contact with sick or infected with MERS-CoV, and if afflicted with a respiratory illness, to stay home and wear a surgical mask, ideally N95.
In addition to the advisory, OFWs were warned against going out unnecessarily and urged to stay inside homes, avoid public spaces especially confines ones. If travels cannot be avoided, they must wear protective masks and observe proper hand hygiene at all times.
Meanwhile, OFW-health workers were also advised to strictly follow infection control protocols in their workplaces. (DOLE)
