Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is not keen on recommending border control amid the increased report of new COVID-19 cases in other countries.
In a Palace briefing, Herbosa said the Bureau of Quarantine is closely monitoring tourists entering the country, especially those showing symptoms of respiratory infections.
“The Bureau of Quarantine is still keeping an eye on this – remember you have a declaration form when you enter the Philippines but it’s online – that e-travel – right? You declare if you have symptoms – so, our Bureau of Quarantine under the Department of Health is monitoring that, so we will have data if we have many tourists entering with respiratory symptoms and fever,” Herbosa said.
“But I will not recommend any border control, banning travel or whatever to Singapore or to India,” he added.
Herbosa also said he would also not suggest the mandatory wearing of face masks in public, but reminded the public to follow minimum public health standards.
“I’m not really thinking about border control or mandatory masks – that’s not on my mind. But I’m just suggesting to every Filipino, since that’s happening, to follow the minimum public health standards. If you’re feeling sick, with a cough, cold, or sore throat, it’s better to just stay at home,” he explained.
Asked if there were recorded cases of the new COVID-19 variant in the country, Herbosa said a private hospital, which he did not name, reported positive COVID-19 cases among its medical workers.
“There’s only one hospital, and that’s just circulating. That’s a private hospital. Their statement showed some of their health professionals have tested positive for COVID.,” Herbosa said.
“Our Epidemiology Bureau, our utilization for hospitals are still very low for COVID-19. So hindi pa tayo tumataas. Although, I’m watching the events unfold in Singapore because I think in Singapore has reported an increase in FLiRT– not flirtations. But FLiRT, the new variant of variant under monitoring,” he added.