China’s COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t require border closures, DOH says

Department of Health officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the rising number of COVID-19 cases in China, DOH officer-in-charge and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Thursday that the government does not need to close or tighten its border control measures.

“The DOH doesn’t think it is required or it is needed already that we close our borders or have this regulation or restriction specifically to China only because of what is happening in their country,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.

Vergeire observed that the country is better equipped with a high immunization rate and most people still follow minimum public health rules.

“We are in a much better position than one or two years ago,” she said.

“As for the closure within our borders, we cannot just have a closure, then open it, and then close it, then open it. We are all moving forward because we would like to reach that new normal,” she added.

Countries like Japan and the United States will impose mandatory COVID-19 tests for passengers from China.

The Department of Transportation, however, is recommending mandatory COVID-19 testing for passengers from China.

 gsg/abc