MERS-CoV Kills 2 More OFWs in Saudi Arabia

Two Filipino workers based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia died from Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) this month, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday.

DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said the first death was reported on May 12 and the other May 18, bringing to five the total number of Filipinos who have died from MERS-CoV. Jose did not disclose the nature of their work and their gender.

“Our consulate is rendering assistance to their next of kin and their families have already been notified,” Jose said in a press briefing.

Philippine officials in Saudi, he added, began facilitating their benefits from their employers and the immediate repatriation of their remains to the country.

The first three Filipinos who died from MERS all work in hospitals where they are vulnerable to acquiring the virus. There is no travel ban issued by the Philippines to Saudi Arabia.

However, the government called on Filipinos traveling to and residing in the Kingdom to exercise extreme caution and follow the health advisory of Saudi authorities. (PNA) JBP/MDC/UTB