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(WAM) — There finally is light at the end of the dark tunnel for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been on a no-work-no-pay scheme for the past months due to COVID measures: The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NECDA) has launched an integrated health and safety advisory outlining all precautionary measures thatContinue reading “Guidelines set for re-opening of UAE hotels”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Could you sleep well at night knowing one of you in the flat has COVID-19?  Dino Sindac Tumaliuan, drummer of the popular Dubai all-Pinoy band, Up the Ante, and the rest of his flat mates could not, for obvious reasons. “Wala naman akong naramdaman, except siguro dahil nababasa ko ang mgaContinue reading “COVID: Dubai Pinoy band’s drummer recalls close brush”

A nurse from the Philippines who recently had the coveted privilege to speak with the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince said the conversation “inspired” her and impressed upon her how the UAE’s policy of tolerance is effectively communicated from the top leadership to the grassroots. The video conference, said Jessa Dawn Ubag, also made her feelContinue reading “Filipina nurse inspired by talk with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: The first half of May saw a spike in the number of deaths among Filipinos in Dubai due to the coronavirus pandemic – from 17 around the first week to 48 by May 21, during which the total deaths was at 233, according to Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes. There areContinue reading “May sees spike in number of Filipinos who died of COVID in Dubai”

What should be done if someone living in shared accommodations showed symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19? Dr. Alvin Torres, a Filipino physician practicing in the UAE, said it is vital that a “physical barrier” be put up. “Basic recommendation ng international guidelines sa home quarantine is to have a separate room,” Torres told aContinue reading “What should be done if someone in your home is COVID-positive?”

‘I was confident I will get enough protection by hand wash and masks but realized missing social distancing, a mistake that almost cost us our lives’ It’s hair-raising when it dawns on you that a single mistake you did, like having been too close for comfort with someone in a crowded place, have caused youContinue reading “DISTANCIA AMIGO. Covid survivor learns lessons on social distancing”

He went through seven COVID tests, swinging back and forth between positive and negative DUBAI: Thirty-two-year-old Bryan Tayag Pagtalunan was enjoying his day-off, having finally able to prepare a decent meal for himself after working at night for consecutive shifts. Then his phone rang. “It was from a lady telling me she’s with Dubai HealthContinue reading “‘It was a nerve-wracking, rollercoaster ride.’ COVID patient shares hair-raising story”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: A Louis Vuitton monogram iPad cover for two small grocery bags of Filipino food.  Sounds insane? It gets quirkier – a pink guitar in perfect condition for five bags of 5kg rice; a pair of Birkenstock sandals for cold cuts and coffee that came with an extra bag of rice; andContinue reading “COVID: Dubai residents barter to donate food, masks”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Philippine government has set aside COVID relief funding to cover 10,000 more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) displaced in Dubai and the neighboring Northern Emirates due to the coronavirus pandemic. This, as only 5,000 of the 56,000 OFWs in Dubai, who have so far appliedContinue reading “DOLE allocates more AKAP funding for Dubai OFWs”

COVID-19 has highlighted the Filipino people’s age-old tradition of Bayanihan, where the community comes together to aid those in need. Sadly though, there have been instances where this spirit of volunteerism is being abused. From those doing the rounds of food drives with no regard to fellows who have yet to receive theirs, to thoseContinue reading “Relief volunteer bemoans ‘Hakot-Ayuda’”