COVID-19 infected Saudi Arabia OFW receives help from Pinoy nurse

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, some overseas Filipino workers still find ways to help their kababayans during the lockdown in their host countries.

According to JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, an OFW in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who was infected with COVID-19 received help from a fellow OFW, a nurse, after learning of his situation.

The OFW, “James,” said he found out he got COVID-19 after his company conducted a random swab test among its employees.

“Noong nagkaroon po ng random swab test sa company namin, doon po nalaman na pito po pala kaming nagpositivo sa COVID. Dinala kami sa isolation area na binigay din ng company sa amin,” he said.

Because he did not have enough money and help from his employer, James’ cousin called on his fellow Filipinos  for help through social media.

Ellen Salcedo, an OFW nurse, found out about James’ situation and she immediately reached out to help him.

Ellen and her OFW husband went to James’ accommodation to provided him with food, groceries, and medicines.

“‘Di ko po talaga mapigilang umiyak noong araw na ‘yon. Gawa ng tuwa at lungkot na nagkaroon po ako ng COVID tapos nagkakaroon po kami ng mabaabit na kababayan namin na handang magbuwis ng kanilang buhay para makatulong din po sa’min,” James said.

“‘Yong mga sinabi niya po nagpapalakas ng loob sa amin. ‘Yon po siguro dahilan bakit ako napaluha noong araw na ‘yon,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ellen said she was more than willing to help a fellow Filipino in need.

“Basta kailangan niyo pa ng tulong, babalik kami. May mga gamot, pagkain diyan basta ingatan niyo lang po sarili niyo. ‘Wag po kayo magpabaya. Kailangan makauwi po kayo sa Pilipinas ng maayos kasi hinihintay kayo ng mga pamilya niyo,” she said. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News