Duque claims Philippines was among first countries to impose travel ban amid COVID-19 pandemic

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Friday claimed that the Philippines was among the first countries to immediately impose travel restrictions on mainland China and its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macao amid the threat of COVID-19.

On “The Mangahas Interviews” hosted by Malou Mangahas, Duque denied that the Philippines was late in taking actions against the health crisis.

“Bandang huli ng Enero ay naglabas tayo ng utos banning travelers from Wuhan and Hubei and after three days, February 3 ata ‘yon ay ginawa natin ‘yong absolute ban from China and other administrative regions,” Duque said.

“Isa tayo sa mga nauna na magpa-travel ban,” he added.

As early as January 6, Duque  also said the government immediately activated the border control and surveillance in airports and seaports.

“The records will show that noong January 6, kung hindi ako nagkakamali, noong nalaman natin ‘tong mga pangyayari sa Wuhan ay pina-activate ko na ‘yong border control, ‘yong surveillance ng ating mga paliparan at pantalan. So lahat po ng ‘yan ay talagang pinaghigpitan natin,” he said.

In February, President Rodrigo Duterte downplayed the threat of COVID-19 when the Philippines reported its first two confirmed cases.

Duterte said there was no need for the public to be hysterical about it.

The chief executive also initially decided not to immediately order a ban on all travelers coming from China, the country where the virus originated.

Duterte said it would be unfair to China if the Philippines would impose a travel ban on the foreign country.

On February 2, he eventually decided to impose a travel ban on mainland China and its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau. Taiwan was later on included but the ban was lifted on February 14.

On March 16, Duterte placed the entire Luzon region under a month-long enhanced community quarantine due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

He also declared a state of public health emergency throughout the country.

Strict measures, including restrictions on travel and the closure of most establishments have been imposed during the period of the quarantine.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News