TWENTY-SIX new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, have been reported among Filipinos abroad.

The latest report from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, May 19 brings the total number of infections to 2,431 Filipinos across 46 countries and regions.

“Based on the latest figures, Europe and the Middle East still have the highest number of COVID-19 positive Filipinos with over 700 cases each. Asia and the Pacific has the fewest number of cases at 447,” the agency said.

Europe, which is 16 countries with PH Foreign Service coverage, has recorded 736 Filipino cases, including 424 undergoing treatment, 227 recoveries and 85 deaths. The Middle East and Africa, covering 12 countries, has reported 705 cases; of which, 567 are undergoing treatment, 44 deaths and 94 recoveries.

The DFA also recorded one new death in the Middle East, raising the death toll to 280.

“The Americas still [have] the highest number of fatalities due to COVID-19 at 149,” it reported. The region, which covers six countries, includes 190 individuals undergoing treatment and 204 who have recovered or been discharged.

The number of recovered Filipinos abroad now stands at 849 with the DFA reporting 21 new recoveries.

“Today, the DFA confirms more recoveries than fatalities among Filipinos abroad as reported by our Foreign Service Posts, with 21 new recoveries in Asia and the Pacific and the Middle East and 1 new death in the Middle East as well, bringing the total of recoveries to 849 and total fatalities to 280,” the department said.

Meanwhile, the Philippines now has 12,942 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 837 fatalities and 2,843 recoveries.