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Malacañang is considering imposing a temporary ban on UK travelers following the discovery of a new variant of the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) that is believed to be spreading faster.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the Department of Transportation (DoTr) would be pressured to implement the travel ban.
“It is time to consider a temporary travel ban in the UK. Even though [dapat] Let’s also hear what the WHO said that we shouldn’t worry about that because that’s exactly the progression of viruses. But dapat mag-ingat pa rin (Time to consider a temporary travel ban. Although we should also listen to what the World Health Organization said, that we should not worry because this is exactly how viruses progress, we must be careful) ” He added. “So. We will pressure DoTr (we will pressure DoTr) because that is within their jurisdiction.”
Reports showed that the Covid-19 variant first identified in the UK spreads 70 percent faster than others.
UK researchers discovered the variant after collecting samples from infected people in south-east England.
Since then, Australia, Denmark and the Netherlands have also identified cases of the variant.
This prompted British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to tighten restrictions and spurred officials in the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries to ban travel from the UK.
Almost immediately, several countries imposed a travel ban on the UK, including Canada, Italy, Turkey, Switzerland and Germany.
The Department of Health previously said that it had not yet detected the new Covid-19 strain in the Philippines, but that it would increase surveillance.
Only Filipino nationals, foreigners joining their Filipino spouses and dependents; and foreign diplomats can enter the country under existing protocols.
Upon arrival, passengers must undergo a polymerase chain reaction test. They must also
stay in a government-designated quarantine facility or quarantine hotel while awaiting the outcome.
The government will pay for accommodation for Filipino workers abroad, while other travelers must pay for their accommodation.
Travelers who test positive will be transferred to hospitals for treatment, while those with negative results will be able to move in and undergo a 14-day quarantine at home or at a suitable local monitoring facility.
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