The government is closely monitoring the detection of the first case of the new coronavirus strain in the United States, Malacañang said Wednesday amid efforts to prevent its entry to the country.
According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, any decision of President Duterte to restrict travelers from the US will depend on the recommendation from health and foreign affairs department.
"We are closely monitoring the situation in the United States (US) regarding the new COVID-19 strain in Colorado. Concerned local officials are now studying this matter," Roque said.
"As to whether the President may impose restrictions to travelers coming from the United States in light of this new development, the guidance of the Chief Executive is clear: This shall be upon the joint recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH), which sits as Chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)," he said.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier raised the possible inclusion of the United States in the government's list of nations covered by the travel ban to prevent the entry of the new COVID variant in the country.
The first known US case of the newly identified COVID-19 strain was traced in Colorado. The new variant, believed to be more contagious than the original strain, first emerged in the United Kingdom and has spread to some countries.
President Duterte has already imposed an entry ban on travelers from the United Kingdom and 19 other countries where the new variant has been detected.
Under a Palace memo, the government extended the temporary suspension of flights and entry ban on all travelers from the UK until Jan. 15, 2021. The travel restriction was originally implemented from Dec. 24 to 31.
All foreign travelers from 19 other countries and territories are also barred from entering the country from Dec. 30 to Jan. 15, 2021.
Filipinos coming from these countries meantime are allowed to enter the country but must undergo a COVID testing and facility-based quarantine for 14 days.