Thursday, October 16, 2014

VP BINAY CALLS FOR PATIENCE FROM RETURNING OFWs AMID QUARANTINE VS EBOLA

MANILA-Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on Wednesday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from Ebola-stricken countries to be patient as they undergo quarantine procedures to prevent the entry of the deadly virus in the country.

“I ask for the patience and understanding of our OFWs as they undergo Ebola screening procedures. This is for the protection of their own families,” Binay, the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said.

“Quarantine is a necessary measure to ensure that the Ebola virus does not reach our shores. We have to err on the side of caution,” he added.

The Philippine government recently implemented a 21-day screening for Filipinos in Ebola-hit countries in West Africa before they would be allowed to travel to back to the country.

The Vice President noted that as one of the world's leading labor-exporting countries, the Philippines is more vulnerable to a massive outbreak of the Ebola virus.

He said that tight screening and surveillance of all ports of entry is key in ensuring that the virus does not enter the country.

“The DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) is a key player here and must be on top of this,” the Vice President said.

“At the same time, we need to roll out an intensive information campaign that will educate the public on what the disease is, its symptoms, and how to prevent and contain its spread,” he added.

“We also need to identify the hospitals with capability to stabilize and treat Ebola patients they are identified as suspected of being infected. Isolation facilities, trained personnel and required equipment must be all available at these hospitals,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Binay assured OFWs returning from Ebola-hit countries of the government’s assistance as they look for employment elsewhere.


“We will also provide them with training and livelihood assistance should they decide to remain in the country,” he said.

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