APD | Health department orders strict check on incoming travelers

By APD Writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA – The Department of Health led by Secretary Francisco T. Duque, has instructed its Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ), to intensify its checking on all incoming travelers, especially those manifesting fever or signs of respiratory infections.

In a statement released Sunday, Secretary Duque assured the public that the BoQ is on alert and has closely watched all seaports and airports in response to reports of a mysterious disease from China.

There have been reports than an outbreak of a mysterious illness has affected 44 individuals in China. The reports said the disease is similar to a “viral pneumonia of unknown origin.”

“I urge the public, especially those with history of travel from China, to seek immediate medical consult if experiencing any flu-like symptoms,” Duque said.

He called on the general public to “embrace healthy lifestyles, practice proper hand hygiene, and observe cough transmission etiquette” to avert transmission of respiratory infections.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)