Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 20) — The Manila International Airport Authority appealed to the public to travel responsibly during the pandemic following the interception of at least 138 COVID-positive prospective travelers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport since the start of the year.
MIAA on Tuesday said the data was as of April 15 and that the departing passengers were intercepted at security and airline checkpoints. They were bound for different foreign destinations.
“They cited several reasons, most common of which is that they just learned about their test result when they were already in NAIA,” the agency said in a statement.
Others also claimed their recruitment agencies instructed them to proceed to the airport and wait for their swab test results there, it added.
MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal expressed alarm over the apparent disregard for health guidelines, especially as the country continues to tally high numbers of COVID-19 cases daily.
“Let us not take chances. The airport security and airline check-in staff will always check on your requirements and truth will be known in the process,” he said.
The latest Health department data showed over 945,000 people nationwide have tested positive for COVID-19. Of this total, 14.9% or around 141,000 are active cases or currently ill patients.
