818 more OFWs repatriated amid COVID-19 pandemic; total number now 19,407

Over 800 more OFWs affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic have arrived home, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

The 818 new repatriates brought the total number of Filipinos forced home by the pandemic to 19,407.

"DFA is unwavering in its commitment to assist kababayans who are severely affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic and to date, has successfully facilitated the repatriation of 19,407 Filipinos from all over the world," the DFA said.

The latest batch of OFWs were from the United Kingdom, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Australia.

They arrived on three separate chartered flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Thursday afternoon and early morning Friday.

Doctors from the Philippine Coast Guard administered rapid testing for COVID-19 on the repatriates upon their arrival.

They were also briefed on quarantine protocols before they were transported to designated facilities where they will undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine. --KBK, GMA News