Sens push for Europe travel ban amid new COVID strain

Several senators are urging the Philippine government to implement a travel ban on individuals coming from Europe due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 strain detected in the United Kingdom.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon emphasized the need for the Department of Health (DOH) to act swiftly, drawing parallels to the delayed travel ban from China in February which he believes led to local transmission.

Senator Joel Villanueva supported the temporary travel ban to prevent the new COVID-19 strain from entering the Philippines.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto also affirmed his support for the travel ban, stating that the safety and protection of Filipinos should be prioritized.

However, the DOH, through Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, stated that the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine has not yet detected the new strain in the country and assured that monitoring efforts are in place.

Vergeire also mentioned that current travel restrictions already limit entry to diplomats, business individuals, and Filipino citizens, suggesting no immediate need for stricter measures.