MANILA/TOKYO – The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo has not recorded a single fatality related to the new coronavirus, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V said Monday.
“Wala pong namamatay na Pilipino rito, at mahusay po lahat – nakaka-recover po lahat,” Laurel said at a Laging Handa press briefing.
According to Laurel, six Filipino land-based workers in Tokyo who were infected with the pneumonia-causing virus have recovered, as well as the 19 out of 21 cases in Osaka, and one in Nagoya.
He added that 121 Filipino sea-based workers have also recovered, and are now back home after their successful repatriation from Japan.
“Sa Diamond Princess, 80 ang nagkasakit, 80 ang gumaling. Sa MV Costa Atlantica, 41 ang nagkasakit, 41 ang nag-recover,” he said.
Laurel also mentioned that the Embassy has assisted in the repatriation of approximately 1,000 Filipinos affected by COVID-19, adding that there are still 126 individuals composed of tourists, students, and trainees who have requested to be repatriated.
Furthermore, the envoy reminded Filipinos in Japan to observe health measures.
“Sa aking mga kababayan, keep safe, keep your distance. Have the consciousness of trying to avoid crowds. Wish you all the very best of health, and hope that you can go back home as soon as possible without the difficulties of this COVID-19.” - Words by Florenda Corpuz, Photograph by Din Eugenio
(File photo taken in June 2018 in Tokyo, Japan)