DOH directs BOQ to screen travelers from countries with FLiRT COVID-19 variants

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has directed the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) to conduct thorough screenings at entry points for travelers coming from countries where the new COVID-19 'FLiRT' variants, specifically KP.2 and KP.3, have been detected.

The BOQ issued Memorandum No. 2024-48 on May 24, placing all stations and agencies under heightened alert for these variants that descend from the JN.1 subvariant responsible for a rise in infections earlier this year.

Travelers are advised to complete a health questionnaire available on the e-travel app and observe basic health measures such as frequent hand washing and avoiding crowded situations.

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante says while the FLiRT variants pose low public health risk, individuals should remain vigilant due to reduced effectiveness of previous vaccines against these strains.

Despite a slight increase in COVID-19 infections noted by the DOH on May 21 and an ongoing wave of cases globally, all regions continue to be at low risk for the virus with no evidence indicating increased disease severity associated with these variants locally or internationally.

The Singapore government reported a significant rise in weekly cases attributed to the new variants, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance but not alarm as public health risks remain low.