Philippine News Agency
IATF to tackle new Covid-19 strain in UK in next meeting
The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases is set to discuss protocols for a new and more infectious COVID-19 strain that has emerged in the United Kingdom.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque assured the public that existing protocols for travelers entering the Philippines, including mandatory quarantine and PCR testing, remain in place.
Several countries have already implemented flight bans and travel restrictions from the UK due to concerns over the new strain.
Scientists have stated that there is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes more severe infections.
The Philippines has not yet detected the new COVID-19 strain within the country.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire mentioned that stricter travel restrictions are not deemed necessary given the limited categories of individuals allowed to enter the Philippines.
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The Philippines has temporarily suspended all flights from the United Kingdom from December 24 to December 31, 2020, due to concerns over a new variant of SARS-CoV-2.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has cut short his Christmas vacation to meet with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and infectious disease experts regarding the new, more infectious SARS-CoV-2 strain originating from the United Kingdom.
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The Philippines has suspended inbound flights from the United Kingdom from December 24 to December 31, 2020, due to a new and rapidly spreading coronavirus strain.
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The Department of Health (DoH) in the Philippines has not detected a new coronavirus strain similar to the one in the UK as of December 21, 2020.
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The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) will discuss imposing restrictions on travelers from countries identified with a new, more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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