At least 23 OFWs request for assistance for hospital admission in Hong Kong — consulate

At least 23 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who have sought assistance after testing positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong are safe and accommodated in isolation facilities, according to the Consulate General of the Philippines.

These OFWs sought assistance for admission to hospitals, to have an isolation room, while in boarding houses or with their employers.

The Consulate, in partnership with non-government organizations, the Hong Kong Labour Department they are now safe and are in isolation facilities.

"It must be noted that the severity and magnitude of the 5th wave took everyone by surprise and affected not just Filipinos but all citizens," the Consulate General said in an advisory.

"The Hong Kong government has taken special measures in order to effectively respond to the current challenge, such as providing an extra 20,000-capacity isolation facility, among others, to cater to those immediately needing isolation rooms."

Foreign domestic helpers, the Consulate added, needing medical attention and isolation will be accommodated the Labour Department assured.

The Philippine Consulate General reminded overseas workers to follow health protocols as provided by the Hong Kong government and have themselves vaccinated against COVID-19.

It was reported earlier that some OFWs found it difficult to be admitted in hospitals.

Philippine Consul General Raly Tejada disclosed reports of three to 10 Filipinos in the area forced by their employers to sleep in public areas such as parks.

Several OFWs in Hong Kong who tested positive for the virus were also among those who were forced to wait outside hospitals for treatment due to facilities being at full capacity. -- BAP, GMA News