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Filipinos in Saudi Advised to take Precautions Against MERS-CoV
Audrey, Sep 9, 2014
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh call out to Filipinos in Saudi Arabia to make preventive measures against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus or MERS-CoV. This was said after a Filipina nurse returned to the Philippines contaminated with the virus.
Filipinos, especially those workers in the healthcare sector should 'continue taking all necessary precautions and observe health guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the DOH against MERS-CoV', according to a news release from the embassy's website.
It also reiterates that 'Filipino workers in the healthcare sector should strictly follow infection control protocols in their workplaces' and that they 'are strongly encouraged to take advantage of voluntary MERS-CoV screening tests available thru their employers'.
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh also said that Filipinos who would take the screening tests should wait for the result before they travel and to show a copy of this for inspection by the Philippine health authorities at the airport upon arrival. This call is especially adviced to those Filipinos intending to travel back to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia.
The embassy added that though there is a decrease in reported MERS-CoV cases in Saudi Arabia for the past months, guards should not be lowered against al types of infectious diseases, like MERS-CoV and Ebola, because it is essential to protect their loved ones, friends and colleagues not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the Philippines.
If tested positive or infected with MERS-CoV, Filipinos should notify the Embassy of their conditions asap. Assurance is given for the confidentiality of any information released with the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, in regards to MERS-CoV cases or with any infectious diseases of Filipinos.
For those who would want to make a report or to gather more data, you can call the Embassy Hotline at 051 504 6362.
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