OFW quarantined in HK after exposure to nCoV+ employer

“Just like the first case, the said Filipino is healthy and asymptomatic but needs to undergo 14-day quarantine based on Hong Kong’s protocol,” the DFA statement read. (File Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — A Filipino worker in Hong Kong was quarantined following exposure to her employer who tested positive for the 2019-novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Wednesday night.

The verification of the second Filipino quarantined abroad due to the virus came from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong upon coordination with local health authorities.

“Just like the first case, the said Filipino is healthy and asymptomatic but needs to undergo 14-day quarantine based on Hong Kong’s protocol,” the DFA statement read.

It assured the public that the government has a “vigilant and tested plan” to ensure the health and the welfare of Filipinos domestically and overseas amid the 2019-nCoV ARD outbreak.

The agency said it would work closely with relevant government agencies to extend immediate assistance to Filipinos quarantined abroad.

“We urge our countrymen in affected areas worldwide to abide by the guidelines of host countries and take the necessary personal precautions to ensure their health and safety,” it said.

On Wednesday, the DFA confirmed the first case of a Filipino infected abroad, a crewmember onboard a cruise ship docked in Japan.

The Diamond Princess cruise ship, docked at the port of Yokohama, was quarantined by the Japanese government when one of the passengers tested positive for the virus.