POEA Reminds OFWs to Protect Themselves Against Swine Flu

The rapid and worldwide spread of the A(H1N1) flu virus made the World Health Organization declare it as a global pandemic. In connection with this, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration once again issued a reminder to all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to take extra measures to protect themselves against swine flu.

Aside from protecting themselves, Jennifer Jardin Manalili, POEA Chief said that all inbound and outbound OFWs should make sure that they abide by the following reporting and monitoring arrangements:

Returning OFWs/and disembarking crew shall inform their recruitment/manning agencies about their arrival in the Philippines.

OFWs should stay at home (self‐quarantine) for 10 days after arrival before personally reporting to the recruitment agencies.

OFWs with flu‐like symptoms on the date of departure shall notify their respective agency and ask for postponement of deployment.

If infected onsite, OFWs shall ask for assistance from the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or Philippine Embassy or Consulate.

OFWs shall report to the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Offices, Embassy or Consulates any case of infection among other Filipino workers.

In the Philippines, the public should report any known case of the flu virus to the nearest local health authority, or through the following:

Bureau of Quarantine: 8322929

OP CEN HEMS:  7111001, 915‐7725621, 9215922361

National Epidemiology Center: 7431937

RITM: - 8072628

Ms. Manalili mentioned that OFWs should practice the advice of the Department of Health so they will not be hit by the swine flu virus. They must strengthen their immune system, maintain good personal hygiene, and practice social distancing.

Recruitment agencies are also encouraged by Manalili to issue similar advisories and guidelines to their departing and returning workers and seafarers.