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BFF-07
HEALTH-VIRUS-UN-PHILIPPINES
Philippines diplomat is first coronavirus case at UN HQ
UNITED NATIONS, United States, March 13, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – A Philippine
diplomat in New York has tested positive for the new coronavirus in the first
recorded case at United Nations headquarters in the city, diplomatic sources
said on Thursday.
The diplomat, who had last visited the UN on Monday, showed symptoms of flu
the following day and saw a doctor.
“She got the call today that she tested positive for COVID-19,” said a
letter from the Philippines mission.
“As of today, the Philippine mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are
instructed to self-quarantine,” said the letter obtained by AFP.
The diplomat works at the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, which
deals with legal matters.
About 3,000 people are employed at the towering riverfront UN headquarters.
Numerous other diplomats from the 193 UN member countries come and go between
their own missions in the area and the Manhattan UN complex.
The Philippines has confirmed 52 cases of COVID-19 illness. There have been
more than 1,600 cases in the United States.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0912 hrs