The total number of COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad now stands at 1,094, the DFA said. Of this number, 153 patients have lost their lives.
DFA also reported that a total of 269 Filipinos have already recovered, while 662 are undergoing treatment.
“Based on the updated figures, the rate of new recoveries and new deaths as of today are at 2.28 percent and 6.99 percent, respectively,” the DFA said.
The department has recorded Filipino COVID-19 cases in a total of 42 countries or regions worldwide. These include 371 cases in Europe, 279 cases in the Asia Pacific Region, 278 cases in the Americas, and 156 cases in the Middle East/Africa.
In a media briefing, Inter-Agency Task Force Spokesperson Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said that all arriving overseas Filipinos will be subjected to COVID-19 rapid tests to prevent possible importation of the disease from other countries.
Nograles said that the new policy is based on the World Health Organization guidelines and will cover both land- and sea-based OFWs. This is on top of the current mandatory 14-day self quarantine requirements for migrant workers.
The DFA has repatriated over 16,000 Filipinos, with the majority of them seafarers.
“The DFA, through its embassies and consulates, remains committed to supporting global and national efforts against COVID-19 by monitoring the status of our people abroad, providing assistance whenever possible, and helping those who wish to be repatriated in this time of pandemic,” it said.
Globally, there are nearly 2,487,000 people infected with the viral disease as of April 21. Over 170,500 infections have resulted in death, while some 653,800 patients have already recovered.
CNN Correspondent Tristan Nodalo contributed to this report.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 21) — The number of Filipinos overseas infected with the coronavirus disease has now surpassed 1,000, after the Department of Foreign Affairs recorded 94 more cases on Tuesday.
