Filipinos in HK told to guard against coronavirus

THE PHILIPPINE Consulate General in Hong Kong has advised Filipinos there to take precautions after the Hong Kong government reported its first confirmed case of a new strain of coronavirus.

The consulate asked Filipino workers to use face masks, wash hands thoroughly and maintain good personal hygiene.

Filipinos were also advised to avoid large crowds and gatherings as well as interactions with persons showing symptoms of a pneumonia-like infection.

“We urge all Filipinos in Hong Kong to cooperate with said initiative, especially by following guidelines issued by Hong Kong health authorities,” it said in its advisory on Sunday.

“Community organizations are also advised to postpone public events to help reduce the risk of infection,” it said.

The Centre for Health Protection of Hong Kong’s Department of Health has raised its response level to the highest. This means the health risk is “high and imminent.”

The Hong Kong government also asked the public to avoid contact with animals, eating game meat, and visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms when traveling outside Hong Kong.

As of Jan. 25, Hong Kong has reported that five patients have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Reuters reported on Sunday that the deadly coronavirus has killed 56 people and infected more than 2,000. — Charmaine A. Tadalan