OFW-medics told to be wary of MERS-Cov

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded Filipino healthcare workers in the Middle East to follow preventive measures to avoid being infected with the deadly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus (MERS-Cov).

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz made the reiteration yesterday after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported last Monday that four overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have contracted the viral respiratory disease.

The concerned OFWs, who worked as nurses in a Saudi hospital, were infected after taking care of patients with MERS-CoV.

“If you are a health worker, strictly follow infection control protocols in your work,” Baldoz said in a statement citing the guidelines stipulated in Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) advisory No. 2, Series of 2015.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these control protocols includes observing proper hand hygiene, correct use of surgical or respiratory face masks and minimizing close contact with patients.

DOLE pointed out POEA is now coordinating with recruitment agencies “to conduct special briefings,” to disseminate these protocols to the medical personnel deployed to the Middle East.

Baldoz also extended the reminders to OFWs, particularly those in countries with confirmed MERS-CoV cases.

She added they should also practice covering their mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, practice healthy habits such as regular exercise, proper diet, and adequate rest.

Lastly, she also warned them to avoid contact with domesticated animals, particularly camels.

“Let us diligently follow the POEA advisory. I urge OFWs, especially those in the Middle East countries, to observe the safety and protection measures,” Baldoz said.