Philippines consulate in Dubai closed after Covid-19 outbreak

Citizens told to stay calm but recent visitors encouraged to be tested

The office of the Philippine consul general in Dubai, Paul Cortes, has been closed temporarily due to Covid-19. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Consular services for Filipinos living in UAE have been suspended for at least 48 hours after a suspected outbreak of Covid-19 at the offices in Dubai.

An advisory notice to the public that services would be unavailable at the consulate until Monday, January 18, while the premises were disinfected, circulated on social media on Sunday.

Anyone who visited the centre at Al Qusais 3 recently was advised to seek a PCR test for Covid-19 and take the necessary precautions until results were received.

“The premises will be thoroughly disinfected in those days to ensure the health and safety of our clients,” a notice from the Consulate General read.

“Those with appointments for the period that the consulate is closed will be contacted directly through their registered email address.”

Officials called for calm. It is understood consular employees have been tested for the virus.

Those in need of urgent attention were advised to contact the consulate’s WhatsApp number of 056 417 7558 or call the Assistance to Nationals hotlines of 056 501 5755 or 056 501 5756.

Drive through testing centre in Dubai: