The extension of ban on travelers from India would be discussed by the Department of Health (DOH) and experts from the government’s task force on COVID-19 after the B.1.617 variant has been detected.
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, they would analyze how the variant first detected in India affect the COVID-19 situation in the country.
“That has to be discussed first… But for now, we continue on with the restrictions until we can recommend,” she said in an online forum.
The task force’s experts are confident that the improved revised testing and quarantine protocols for incoming travelers will be enough to block or detect new cases of COVID-19 variants.
“This is an evolving situation and we understand that restricting movement in general has major implications on people from financial to obviously even mental,” infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana said.
“We can’t keep them out forever. So if there is an extension, hopefully it’s not a long extension, as long as we can show that we can keep our case numbers low,” he added.
Dr. Anna Ong-Lim said experts are “taking time to reflect” before making a proposal because of the many effects of an extended travel ban.
Extension of travel ban vs. variant from India to be discussed
“The current system seems to be a viable option if we cannot impose a ban,” she said.
Dr. Marissa Alejandria also said that local governments should do their part to contain the spread of new variants by strictly enforcing the mandatory quarantine period for incoming travelers.
“If we are able to really implement these border control measures quality-wise and pare-pareho tayo na susunod doon sa (we all follow the) policies that we have recommended, then I think we will be able to eventually weather this surge,” she said.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said Tuesday that the public should remain vigilant the health department reported two cases of COVID-19 variant from India, the B.1.617 which is said to be more transmissible.
“We call on our fellow Filipinos, we know that if we do not take care of our lives, we will not be able to go back to work. That is why the President’s call is for us to take care, wear a mask, wash hands frequently, observe social distancing and get a COVID-19 vaccine,” Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said.
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