Public Advisory: On the Increase in COVID-19 Cases Involving Filipino Nationals Abroad

31 May 2020 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) wishes to provide the public some clarification on the significant increase in the total confirmed COVID-19 cases involving Filipinos abroad, as reported by our Foreign Service Posts today.

As reflected in the updated infographics just released, more than 2,300 new confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported resulting in an 80% increase from yesterday’s figures.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 infections involving Filipinos abroad to almost 5,200.

The spike in numbers is due to some late reports received by our Posts in the Middle East where many Host Governments implement strict data privacy and confidentiality rules.

The latest increase in figures represents an accumulation of data that was only released yesterday.

It should be noted, however, that along with the increase of confirmed COVID-19 cases is the sharp increase in the total number of Filipinos who have recovered from the disease at 2,151; of which are 1,174 new recoveries in the Middle East.

Aside from the new recoveries, there are also over 1,100 Filipinos being treated but who do not require hospital care.
Just as significant, no new fatalities due to COVID-19 were reported today. In fact the number of fatalities has decreased by one from yesterday to 339, after 1 reported death in Europe was delisted after confirmation that the patient remains to be in critical condition.

The Department will continue to work with and engage Host Governments for a more timely reporting of COVID-19 cases involving Filipinos abroad. END