DFA advises Pinoys in Iran to comply with COVID-19 advisory

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday urged Filipinos in Iran to comply with advisories issued by local health authorities amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"[O]bserve and comply with the advisories from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and directives issued by local Iranian health authorities, and cooperate with efforts to quell the further spread of the 2019 novel Coronavirus," DFA said in a statement.

No Filipino in Iran has tested positive for the virus to date.

The DFA also reminded Filipinos to follow preventive measures issued by the Department of Health.

Some of these are proper hand washing, avoidance of symptomatic individuals, proper coughing etiquette, contact with farm animals, consuming water, cooking food thoroughly, and immediately consulting a doctor upon experiencing symptoms.

The department also advised against unnecesary travel and gatherings.

"Further, the Embassy continues to closely monitor the development of the said outbreak in Iran and is coordinating with the Filipino communities to ensure the safety and welfare of our countrymen," DFA said.

Meanwhile, the death toll in mainland China due to the virus has climbed to  2,715 with more than 78,000 confirmed cases. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News