THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, July 8, logged 74 additional cases of the novel coronavirus among Filipinos abroad, bringing the total count of infections to 8,762.
“Today, the DFA reports that the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases among Filipinos abroad is now at 8,762 with 74 new cases mostly in the Middle East,” the agency said.
“The total number of Filipinos under treatment also breached the 2,900 mark with 19 new recoveries in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Middle East; and 13 new deaths reported in the Middle East as well,” it added.
As of writing, there are 2,935 overseas Filipinos undergoing treatment while 5,237 have recovered from the disease.
The death toll likewise rose to 590 after the agency’s latest report.
“Moreover, the DFA also received a report from another country in Africa which brings the total number of countries/regions with COVID-19 cases among Filipinos to 63,” the DFA said.
Overall by region, Europe – which comprises 16 countries – has recorded 1,028 Filipino cases, including 478 undergoing treatment, 456 recoveries and 94 deaths.
The Middle East and Africa, covering 23 countries, has reported 6,363 cases, of which 2,216 are undergoing treatment, and with 324 deaths and 3,823 recoveries.
The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 17 countries, has 674 cases, with 122 under treatment, 548 recoveries, and four deaths.
The Americas – covering seven countries including the United States – have 697 reported cases, with 119 undergoing treatment, 410 recoveries, and 168 deaths.
The DFA also noted that more Filipinos abroad who are affected by the pandemic are expected to return home as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 resumes international operations.
“With the resumption of international flight operations at NAIA Terminal 3 beginning today, 8 July 2020, the DFA expects a rise in repatriations and assures its steadfast commitment to effectively facilitating and coordinating the safe return of our nationals affected by this pandemic,” it said.
According to the agency’s latest data, over 68,000 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines since the outbreak started.
The DFA’s latest repatriation effort brought home 289 Filipinos on board a special commercial repatriation flight from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
