Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) — Eight Filipinos who arrived from China from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023 tested positive for COVID-19 through antigen test upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Department of Health said Wednesday.
Citing reports from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), the Filipinos, who were unvaccinated for the coronavirus, are now isolated and have undergone confirmatory RT-PCR testing on Dec. 31, but it was unclear if all of them got positive results.
“Based on current protocols, non-fully vaccinated individuals who are unable to present a negative pre-departure test result are tested upon arrival at the airport,” the DOH said.
“In light of this, the DOH assures the public that government continues to conduct COVID-19 monitoring and surveillance activities in the country, as well as keeping an eye for global health events that may occur,” it added.
Authorities have yet to report if there were other foreign travelers from China who tested positive for the coronavirus.
There was also no additional information on what COVID-19 variant the Filipinos were infected with. DOH said it will continue to monitor developments.
Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Dec. 31 ordered heightened surveillance on travelers from COVID-hit China at all ports of entry.
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“The DOH continues to remind our kababayans to help prevent transmission through our layers of protection such as sanitation, masking, distancing, good ventilation, and vaccination in addition to practicing healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle,” the agency said.
