Heightened surveillance raised due to increasing COVID cases in China

The “heightened surveillance” of all health facilities by the Department of Health and other government agencies is now on alert for travelers, especially those from China.

In the released Department Memorandum of the DOH, it was ordered to continue coordination with other agencies and to strengthen the implementation of “border control protocols” in all ports of entry in the country.

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The memorandum of DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire was released following the new surge of COVID-19 cases in China. This is despite waiting for Malacañang’s order to be issued on the proposed “travel ban” on travelers from that country.

The government, especially those on duty at airports and ports, will specifically monitor all respiratory symptoms of travelers from China. He also reviews the “maritime declaration of health” and the health part of the Aircraft General Declaration.

Vergeire has also instructed all Centers for Health Development (CHD) throughout the country to continue the strict implementation of “minimum public health standards” to ensure low local transmission of the virus. The Bureau of Quarantine was first instructed to further strengthen the “quarantine protocols” for travelers from China.

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Heightened surveillance raised due to increasing COVID cases in China

Vergeire added that many Filipinos have a complete vaccine against COVID and continue to wear face masks, even though the policy regarding this has been relaxed.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco expressed readiness for the immediate implementation of “travel restrictions” at the airports on travelers from China if Malacanang orders it.

“We take the cue from the DOH, the IATF, and the Office of the President on implementing travel restrictions,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco.

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Earlier, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista recommended that the Philippines be more careful with travelers entering from China and that the  discuss possible restrictions on travel requirements for them.

This is after some countries, such as Japan and the United States, announced that they will require a negative COVID test for everyone entering their country from mainland China.

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