PH bans flights from UK due to new COVID-19 strain

BY ARGYLL GEDUCOS

The Philippines has ordered the temporary suspension of flights from the United Kingdom (UK) starting December 24 following reports of a new variant of COVID-19 known as B.1.1.7 spreading across the European nation.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement that President Duterte approved suspending flights from the UK starting December 24 until the end of the year.

All passengers who have been in the UK within 14 days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines, including those merely in transit, are also temporarily restricted from entering the country for the same period.

On the other hand, passengers already in transit from the UK and all those who have been to the UK within 14 days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines, who arrive before December 24, 2020, shall not be subject to entry restriction but they would be required to undergo stricter quarantine and testing protocols.

According to Roque, such protocols include the observation of an absolute 14-day quarantine period at the Athlete’s Village in the New Clark City, notwithstanding a negative RT-PCT test result.

Outbound travel to the UK shall likewise be subject to the existing exit protocols of the Philippines and the UK.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the said seemingly more contagious strain or variant was identified in southeastern England as early as September prompting health officials in the UK to impose stricter limits on movement and public spaces.

Over the weekend, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the new COVID-19 strain could be up to 70 percent more transmissible. Britain reported 27,052 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday.

Last week, President Duterte said he was hoping that the new strain of COVID-19 will not reach the Philippines, saying it will be unacceptable because Filipinos have already suffered enough due to the pandemic.