Philippine minister apologises to UAE over false claims of coronavirus death

iStock/Gilnature

The Philippines’ Labour Secretary who had falsely claimed that a Filipino worker in Dubai died of coronavirus has issued an apology.

Silvestre Bello III from the Philippine Labour Office in Dubai says he regrets causing confusion and anxiety with the announcement.

The Labour Department clarified that the confirmatory tests conducted by the Pathology and Genetics Department of the Dubai Health Authority on the deceased showed negative for the novel coronavirus.

The Philippines’ Labour Department in Manila also issued a statement on behalf of Silvestre Bello III. It read; “Secretary Bello nonetheless wishes to apologise to the government of Dubai for the confusion and whatever anxiety that the announcement may have caused.”

More from UAE News

  • UAE sends search and rescue team to Myanmar

    The UAE has urgently dispatched a search and rescue team, comprising members from Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command, to support efforts to save people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.

  • UAE fuel prices announced for April

    Motorists in the UAE will enjoy reduced fuel prices in April, the UAE Fuel Price Committee confirmed on Monday.

  • New Syrian government welcomed by UAE

    The UAE has welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government, and affirmed its support for the Syrian people’s aspirations towards achieving stability and prosperity.

  • Umm Al Quwain Ruler's mother passes away

    His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, has mourned the death of his mother Sheikha Hassa bint Hamid bin Abdulrahman Al-Shamsi.

Coming Up