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QUARANTINE. A pedestrian walks the bank of the Thames with the Towers of London in the background on March 11, 2020. File photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine embassy in the United Kingdom (United Kingdom) expressed “deep concern” over the deaths of 20 Philippine nurses who were ill with the coronavirus and were among the health workers fighting the outbreak in the first-line hospitals.
The death toll represents nearly half of at least 50 Filipinos who died from the disease in the UK, the Philippine embassy said. Among the deaths were 3 undocumented immigrants, he added.
“We are deeply concerned at the deaths of Filipino health workers who sacrificed their lives as the world continues to fight this vicious disease. They risk their lives so that others can heal, live, and be reunited with loved ones.” Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo said in a statement on Monday, April 20 (Tuesday, April 21, Philippines time).
The embassy drew calls from Philippine nurses from the UK Office of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to provide more personal protective equipment (PPE) necessary to ensure their safety when treating patients.
With about 19,000 Philippine nurses working in the UK National Health Service, the third largest group after the British and Indians, the embassy said that the death of the Philippine nurses “caused a stir” among the public. (READ: Working with fear and anxiety: Philippine nurses as UK leaders against coronavirus)
Coronavirus cases in the UK continue to rise, with more than 127,000 confirmed cases and at least 16,500 deaths as of Tuesday. The situation means that Philippine nurses, among other health workers, are forced to deal with inadequate protective equipment and change government guidelines.
The embassy said that most of those who died in England worked in hospitals.
The death of Philippine nurses sparked several fundraising initiatives by Philippine groups to support health workers fighting the coronavirus. The embassy said efforts include providing facial masks and hot meals.
The embassy secured its consular section and the The Philippine Labor Office abroad is closely coordinating with Philippine groups to provide assistance and control those affected by the disease.
More than 1,000 Filipinos abroad have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Tuesday. Confirmed cases include 153 deaths and 269 recoveries.
The Philippines has recorded at least 6,599 confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 437 deaths and 654 recoveries. The number of infections worldwide has exceeded 2.4 million, while more than 170,000 people have died in 193 countries and territories. – with a report from the Agence France-Presse / Rappler.com
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