DOH: Implement border control measures for travelers from China

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday ordered the intensified monitoring and implementation of border control measures for travelers in China amid the COVID-19 surge in the said country.

“Following the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in China, there is a need for the country to intensify the monitoring and implementation of border control protocols for incoming individuals, especially from China, at all ports of entry,” the department memorandum signed by Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

Vergeire ordered a “heightened surveillance on all respiratory symptoms in all travelers and conveyances coming from China.”

However, Vergeire previously said there is no need for the Philippines to close its borders for travelers from China.

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

READ: COVID-19 tests eyed for travelers from China

Currently, the government only requires unvaccinated or foreign travelers who are not fully vaccinated to present negative pre-departure antigen or RT-PCR test results before travel or upon arrival.

The COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant responsible for China’s ongoing surge is already in the Philippines.

READ: Omicron strain behind China surge now in PH

The DOH said four cases of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 were detected in the country, based on the genome sequencing conducted by the Philippine Genome Center.

/MUF