On Thursday, Philippine health authorities said that there’s currently no need to impose stricter restrictions on travelers from China. This is despite the surge of COVID-19 cases in the said country.
During a briefing, DOH OIC Maria Rosario Vergeire said that the existing protocols in place are already enough.
She said, “The DOH doesn’t think that it’s required or it’s needed already that we close our borders or have regulations or restrictions specific only to China because of what’s happening in their country.”
Vergeire also noted that the Philippines is in a much better position in terms of vaccinated citizens as well as the public’s continuous practice of health protocols.
Countries such as Italy and the United States have announced stricter restrictions for Chinese visitors.
“Right now, it is just for us to monitor and observe the situation,” Vergeire stated. She also said that surveillance will be stronger, and unvaccinated visitors are still required to present a negative antigen test.