Following the reported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related deaths in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Philippine Embassy in Tehran on Thursday advised all Filipinos either working or residing in that country to observe and comply with Iranian health authorities as well as cooperate in the efforts to quell the spread of the disease.
At the Home Office in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs said there is no report of Filipinos in Iran infected by COVID-19.
The DFA reminded Filipinos in Iran to follow the Department of Health (DoH) advisory on preventive measures, such as hand hygiene, avoiding symptomatic individuals, proper coughing etiquette, avoiding contact with farm animals, consuming enough water, cooking food thoroughly and immediately consulting a doctor when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
To avoid being infected, the DFA likewise advised Filipino nationals in Iran to avoid unnecessary travel and public gatherings for the time being.
It reiterated the Embassy’s readiness to provide assistance to Filipinos in distress in Iran through its Assistance to Nationals (ATN) Hotline +98 912 2136801.
Moreover, the DFA assured that the Embassy is closely monitoring the development of the said outbreak in Iran and is coordinating with the Filipino communities to ensure the safety and welfare of our countrymen
As of February 26, the government in Tehran has confirmed 139 cases and 19 deaths from COVID-19, the highest number of fatalities outside China where the disease emanated and has taken over 2,700 lives and affected more than 80,000. (Roy C. Mabasa)
