Calls are growing for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to impose tighter screening protocols for travelers from China as the mainland reports another surge in COVID-19 cases.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said Marcos should prioritize imposing more :layers of health security” before leaving on January 3 for his state visit to China.
“Sa patuloy na paglobo ng mga kaso ng COVID-19 sa mainland China at iba pang bansa, business as usual is not an option. Bago sana lumarga ang Pangulo sa planong state visit sa China, kailangang magtakda muna ang administrasyon ng karagdagang layers of health security and safety protocols para sa mga turistang papasok sa Pilipinas ngayong bagong taon,” she said.
Hontiveros suggested implementing color-coded travel restrictions for incoming flights from high-risk areas for the coronavirus.
Better safe. State is tasked to advise ensure public welfare and health. Not to gamble. Doh and Medical associations have warned and one man is dictating otherwise. #MaskUpPH https://t.co/MAPs8z6Elu
— GrumpyNation (@grumpy_nation) December 30, 2022
At least 10 countries have imposed new rules for travelers arriving from China, with the United States and United Kingdom requiring all passengers to show a negative COVID-19 test result regardless of their vaccination status or nationality.
