Gov't urged to monitor OFWs in MERS-Cov areas

MANILA, Philippines - A workers rights group has urged the Philippine consulate in deadly MERS-Corona virus hit- areas in Middle East to conduct medical missions to look and monitor the health conditions of stranded overseas Filipino workers, some of whom with children.

John Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator, said there are around 200 OFWs in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia who are very susceptible to contracting the deadly disease now spreading the oil-rich country.

Monterona said the stranded OFWs have been stayingsince October last year inside the deportation facility in Jeddah.

"This situation requires an immediate action by the Philippine government through its diplomatic posts not only in Saudi Arabia but in other mid-east countries where there are MERS-CoV spread and huge OFWs concentration," he said.

He cited that Saudi’s Ministry of Health confirmed there were 20 people have already been afflicted by MERS-CoV following report on the death of two persons in Jeddah, western city of Saudi Arabia.

Weeks ago, four persons were reportedly afflicted by MERS-CoV in the United Arab Emirates. Two of them were OFWs, both works as medical staff in UAE hospitals, Monterona said.  

Scores of MERS-CoV cases were also reported in Doha, Qatar, he added.

"We likewise call on Philippine embassy officials in Riyadh to do the same," Monterona said, noting that there are around 100 stranded OFWs temporarily staying at embassy-rented accommodation, while there are 40 women and children at the Bahay Kalinga in Riyadh.