Quarantine bureau told to screen travelers from COVID-hit countries

EASED REQUIREMENT Overseas Filipino workers arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay City. (File photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has instructed the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to hold thorough screenings at entry points for travelers coming from countries where the new COVID-19 “FLiRT” variants have been detected.

The “FliRT” variants refer to KP.2 and KP.3, which have been tagged by the World Health Organization (WHO) as variants under monitoring.

Both variants descend from the JN.1 subvariant, which was responsible for COVID-19 infection increase in early 2024, according to the BOQ.

“The BOQ, as directed by Secretary Herbosa, is conducting thorough screening for symptoms of COVID-19, among others,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo told reporters.

READ: DOH on COVID-19 FLiRT: It may be here now but ‘the variant isn’t serious’

Meanwhile, the BOQ, in its memorandum dated May 24, ordered all its stations to be on heightened alert.

It also reminded the public to practice basic health measures, such as frequent hand washing, coughing etiquette and avoiding crowded places.

“All travelers must be reminded to complete the health questionnaire available on the e-travel application,” it said.

On May 21, the DOH noted a “small” increase in COVID-19 infections in the country, but it also said all regions continue to be at low risk for the virus.

READ: COVID-19 risk still low nationwide, says DOH

It also stated that there is currently “no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases.”