DOLE, POLO aid Hong Kong OFWs with COVID-19
WITH Hong Kong experiencing a 5th wave of COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday assured that they are providing assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who tested positive for the diseases in the former British territory.
Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III expressed alarm over the spike in cases and proceeded to give the assurance after Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Hong Kong reported that as of Feb. 21, 60 OFWs have tested positive for COVID-19.
Of this number, 49 are asymptomatic and in community isolation, 9 are symptomatic and admitted in hospitals, while 2 have recovered.
The POLO added that upon receipt of requests for assistance, it immediately coordinated with the Hong Kong Center for Health Protection and non-government organizations for the hospital admission, quarantine of concerned OFWs.
POLO also visited quarantine facilities and provided food, medicines, and power banks.
Consequently, through the After-care Financial Assistance Program, the POLO through Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), provided $200 to qualified OFWs. An additional $200 was provided to OFWs with concerns regarding quarantine facilities.
POLO is also helping in transporting COVID-infected OFWs to quarantine/isolation facilities and if needed, to hospitals in view of the current shortage of available ambulances.
As COVID-19 infection is not a valid ground for termination, POLO closely coordinated with employers to reassure workers that they can still return to work once they recover.
Despite the unprecedented challenges and through Bello’s guidance, the DOLE assured that it will continue to provide necessary assistance to affected OFWs in Hong Kong.
