MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to conduct thorough screening at points of entry for arriving visitors from countries where the new COVID-19 “FLiRT” variants have been detected.
Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo confirmed the directive of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa to place all BOQ stations and other concerned agencies under “heightened alert”.
“The BOQ, as directed by Secretary Herbosa, is conducting thorough screening for symptoms of COVID-19, among others,” Domingo said in a press conference on Monday.
The KP.2 and KP.3, more commonly known as “FLiRT,” are the currently circulating COVID-19 variants under monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The said COVID-19 variants are said to be descendants of the JN.1, a variant of interest that was responsible for the infection increase earlier this year.
The BOQ, meanwhile, reminded travelers to complete the health questionnaire available on the e-travel app, and those who have COVID-19 signs and symptoms were also advised to go on home isolation.
“The general public should take basic health measures such as frequent hand washing, coughing etiquette, avoiding crowded situations and getting in contact with people with flu-like symptoms,” the memorandum read.
Based on previous DOH data, all regions in the country remain at low risk for COVID-19, despite a “small” increase in cases recently observed and new variants being monitored internationally.
Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante, meanwhile, warned that, while the FLiRT variants pose “low public health risk,” the public should remain vigilant and keep themselves protected.
Even normal individuals could also be at risk as the previous COVID-19 vaccines made available in the country could no longer give much protection against these newer coronavirus strains, he said./PN
