DOH HEIGHTENED ALERT ON POINTS OF ENTRY; COVID NEW “FLiRT” VARIANT

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa has directed the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to conduct a thorough screening for all arriving visitors from other countries under BOQ Memorandum No. 2024-48 as confirmed by DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.

Domingo said all concerned agencies and BOQ stations are placed under “heightened alert” for the FLiRT variants, “The BOQ, as directed by Secretary Herbosa, is conducting thorough screening for symptoms of COVID-19, among others.”

Points of Entry in the country on heightened alert (Photo courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer)

The memorandum states that the new strain of novel virus is spreading globally, 19 variants of CoVid-19 were being monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO), and now a new variant was discovered which is the descendants of the JN.1 that is responsible for the infection increase earlier this year, the KP.2 and KP.3 commonly known as “FLiRT.”

“In light of this, all stations have been directed to conduct thorough screening at Points of Entry for arriving visitors originating from countries where COVID FLiRT incidents have been detected,” it stated.

The memo reminded the public to “take basic health measures such as frequent hand washing, coughing etiquette, avoiding crowded situations and getting in contact with people with flu like symptoms.”

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

“For those who develop Signs and Symptoms of VOVID-19, Home Isolation is advised. For any concern, please contact DOH at (02) 8651-7800 or 894-COVID,” it added.

The department recently announced that the CoVid-19 cases in the country is at low risk despite the slight increase. Herbosa clarified that border control or travel restrictions wouldn’t be recommended amidst the report of increasing cases of CoVid-19 in Singapore. 

The agency said, "We appreciate the public's heightened interest in BOQ operations to protect our population, as you can see, DOH delivers. "To avoid possible misinformation and fake news, please get announcements only from the verified DOH social media channels, or mainstream media. There is no need to forward internal documents."

Source: ABS-CBN News

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