MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is now closely monitoring incoming international flight passengers, particularly those coming from China amid the scare of a new coronavirus strain that originated from Wuhan City.
As of the latest data, the DOH is keeping watch over a suspected novel coronavirus case.
The health department said it is conducting precautionary measures to help curb the possible spread of the said infectious disease that could possibly have been brought by passengers coming from other countries.
The Bureau of Quarantine is leading the team that checks passengers after they get off from the plane.
Each passenger must go through scanners that are installed in the airports.
Those who are found negative of symptoms such as high body temperature or fever will be free to go.
However, those who will show signs of the disease will be held by the BOQ personnel so that swab samples and necessary interviews will be conducted on them.
When the initial check-up shows signs of respiratory illness, fever, cough and colds, shortness of and difficulty in breathing, the doctors will recommend hospital admission.
DOH Spokesperson Usec. Rolando Enrique Domingo, the DOH will take care of the hospital treatment.
“Pagdaan nila sa quarantine ngayon makikita naman sila kung mayroon signs and symptoms kung may sign and symptoms then they have to go our quarantine office or to our clinic for history taking or medical examination,” said Domingo.
The patient may only be discharged from the hospital if he or she is already found negative of two more tests.
The DOH also reminds the public, particularly those who will travel internationally, to always fill out and submit the health declaration card to be issued to them during flight.
Included in the checklist is the pertinent information, such as the country of origin, so that passengers can easily be traced and located, should the need arise.
The DOH will also give out flyers to passengers for them to be more aware of the new coronavirus.
The health department will also meet with airline operators who have direct flights to and from Wuhan, China, together with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the measures to take to address the said health issue. — (from the report of Dante Amento) /mbmf
The post DOH closely monitors passengers from China appeared first on UNTV News.