More than 3k OFWs tested positive for COVID-19 in Qatar —DOLE

More than 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have contracted the COVID-19 in Qatar, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, DOLE said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Qatar recorded 3,052 OFWs who tested positive of the virus with 17 deaths.

Meanwhile, Labor Attaché Gregorio Abalos, Jr. of POLO Oman reported that 122 OFWs have recovered from COVID-19 but four had died.

Abalos said 107 OFWs have received the Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) financial assistance, or a one-time P10,000 cash aid to OFWs affected by the pandemic.

In Israel, 65 COVID-19 cases were recorded within the Filipino community, with 56 recoveries and one death.

Labor Attaché in Israel Rodolfo Gabasan said the latest confirmed cases were two Filipinas who were both undergoing quarantine at Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem.

Gabasan added that a total of 336 OFWs have received the AKAP financial assistance as of September 27.

POLO Spain has reported 85 recoveries among the 100 Filipinos monitored to have COVID-19. Two meanwhile tested negative and seven tested positive. POLO Spain also recorded six deaths.

Also in Europe, eight OFWs have recovered in France, but six have died. Eighty Filipinos have recovered in Germany and seven have recovered in Belgium.

The POLO in Taiwan have recorded 11 COVID-19 cases among OFWs.

The POLO in Taiwan also reported that all OFWs from the Philippines will no longer have to undergo swab test upon their arrival except for those who have symptoms.

Their quarantine cost will be free, a rule different from protocols for other nationalities. —Jamil Santos/KBK, GMA News