Hong Kong saw a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases as the country is being battered with the Omicron variant. Meanwhile, Overseas Filipino Workers are also affected by this recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong confirmed that they will be releasing financial assistance to those OFWs affected by the surge of COVID-19 cases.
Through the help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in line with the After-care Financial Assistance Program, POLO said that they have released $200 to OFWs who are qualified.
Another $200 will be handed over to OFWs that have impending concerns when it comes to the quarantine facilities. As for the hospitalization and the quarantine of OFWs, these things are still being coordinated with several non-government organizations and the Hong Kong Center for Health Protection.
POLO will also help in assisting the OFWs on their transport to their designated isolation facilities. They are also providing food, power banks, and medicines to those affected OFWs.
Hong Kong is currently suffering from its 5th wave of COVID-19 cases. OFWs are also greatly affected by this recent spike in COVID-19 cases. Some OFWs are even forced to wait outside hospitals in HK for treatment. More OFWs are also unfairly terminated by their employers for testing positive for the virus.
“As COVID-19 infection is not a valid ground for termination, POLO closely coordinated with employers to reassure workers that they can still return to work once they recover,” says POLO through an email.
