Gordon seeks stricter measures vs entry of POGO workers

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Richard Gordon on Monday raised a warning for government to monitor the influx of Chinese nationals into the country, amid reports of a mysterious viral disease sweeping across China.

Gordon made the call as the Bureau of Quarantine was placed on alert in monitoring seaports and airports to prevent those possibly infected from entering the country.

He said that even if the cause of the mysterious disease has yet to be known, the situation still needs to be monitored, considering that a huge number of Chinese workers have come to the country to work in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) companies.

“Given the significant number of workers from China, including those involved in POGO, it is prudent fr the Philippines to ask these travelers to declare if they have traveled to Wuhan, and if so, be requested to be subjected to screening and a temperature check with minimum inconvenience as they enter the country,” Gordon said.

According to reports, the disease that originated from Wuhan, China is similar to a “viral pneumonia of unknown origin.”

Despite this, Gordon said there is yet no reason to panic.

“The cause of the ‘mystery’ disease… has not been determined and thus far, there has been no reported human-to-human transmission. Until the cause is known, there is no need for undue panic or anxiety. Meanwhile, the situation needs to be monitored and preparations should be in place in the event that the disease spreads,” he said.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consult if experiencing any flu-like symptoms.

“Let us also embrace healthy lifestyles, practice proper hand hygiene, and observe cough etiquette to prevent transmission of respiratory infections” Duque said.