COVID-19 claims first Filipino fatality in Libya —DFA

The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli on Wednesday reported the first Filipino fatality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Libya.

"We are working to repatriate the remains the soonest amidst the ongoing conflict and border and travel restrictions in Libya. The DFA extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family," Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay said.

Libya does not have a functioning government and is plagued by civil unrest and armed hostilities.

Despite repeated appeals from the Philippine government to leave, many Filipinos continued to hold on to their jobs in Libya despite the widespread violence, citing lack of economic opportunities back home.

There are still more than 1,000 Filipinos in Tripoli and surrounding areas, most of them hospital workers.

COVID-19 has infected at least 9,600 Filipinos in 71 countries and killed 693.

"As we continue to battle against this pandemic, the DFA rallies the Filipinos here and abroad to cooperate and responsibly adhere to precautionary measures of the local health authorities of the respective countries in which they reside," a DFA statement said.

The DFA said 3,233 are undergoing treatment while 5,681 have either recovered or discharged from the hospital.—AOL, GMA News