Pandemic 'hero' Filipino nurses struggle to leave home

Filipino nurse April Glory waves to her family before leaving for the UK, outside Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines August 20, 2020, after the government partially eased restrictions on health workers' movements. "I hope the government will not take it against us that we are leaving", she said. Picture taken August 20, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

MANILA (Reuters) - From across the Philippines, they gathered to pray by Zoom.

They were praying to be allowed to leave: To be allowed to take up nursing jobs in countries where the coronavirus is killing thousands in hospitals and care homes. In recent months, these care workers have taken to calling themselves "priso-nurses."