Manila – The first batch of Filipino workers from China will be repatriated next week in light of the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.
The DFA added Filipinos from Wuhan City in Hubei province, where the virus originated, will be given priority in the repatriation.
“The DFA intends to repatriate the first batch of Filipinos next week subject to China’s rules on disease containment, including immigration clearances, quarantine process, among others,” it said.
“Filipinos who wish to be included in the first batch should contact the Philippine Embassy in Beijing or the nearest Consulate General in their area by Feb. 3, 2020, Monday,” it added.
The DFA said the repatriates will be subjected to 14 days of mandatory quarantine per guidelines of the Department of Health.
DFA undersecretary Brigido Dulay earlier said the government has already prepared two charter planes to fly to Hubei province to bring Filipinos home.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said it will be better for Filipinos in Wuhan City and Hubei province in China to remain there instead of returning to the Philippines.
“It’s better and safer for them to stay in lockdown there rather than come home and be discriminated upon by authorities and even their relatives,” Sotto said.
The World Health Organization already declared a public health emergency of international concern the global outbreak of the virus.(With CNN Philippines/PN)
