DFA Advises Overseas Filipinos to Take Precautions vs Coronavirus

26 January 2020 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through its Embassy and Consulates General in China, is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak in China, and advises Filipinos to take necessary precautions and follow the advice from local health authorities in their areas.

The Philippine Consulate General in Shanghai reported that it is already in touch with around 150 Filipinos in Wuhan city, the epicenter of the disease. As the city is on lockdown, the Consulate has requested Filipino community leaders to provide them assistance, especially to tourists or on short-time visit.

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong issued an advisory urging Filipinos in the territory to cooperate with the Hong Kong government, as it raised its response level to the highest "Emergency Response Level". Filipinos who will require assistance from the Consulate may be reached through its hotline at (+852) 9155 4023.

Meanwhile in Manila, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola will be convening an emergency meeting on Monday, 27 January 2020 to discuss strategies to properly respond to this health emergency. The DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs is also in close coordination with health authorities and experts as to the safest way to protect overseas Filipinos. END