Health Secretary Francisco Duque admitted that the entry of the new coronavirus variant from the United Kingdom to the Philippines is not a remote possibility.
“It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when. Notwithstanding that we can also have our own variant here, which could happen in the Philippines. So, we just have to watch out for this,” Duque said in an interview with CNN Philippines.
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The health chief however that the country is prepared for whatever kind of scenario will happen.
“But at the end of the day, one major intervention is always compliance and adherence to the minimum health standards. Whatever is the variant, I think what’s important is for our people to understand that we are not defenseless… May laban po tayo dito,” Duque said.
READ ON: OFWs not included in PH travel ban of countries hit by new COVID strain
The country is still free from the new coronavirus variant. The government has imposed a travel ban from all flights on the United Kingdom and 19 territories. United States is also now included in the list. (TDT)