NAIA on alert vs coronavirus as thermal scanners installed at airport

Due to the recent appearance of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 had tightened its medical quarantine protocols to prevent the virus' entry into the country.

According to Cecille VIllarosa's Tuesday report on 24 Oras, Bureau of Quarantine officials were at the airport to see if any travelers were ill.

Wearing a face mask, quarantine nurse Kristine Joy Parina explained that she was among the first people to greet visitors flying to Manila, including those coming from China.

"Prevention lang po," said Parina, explaining the reason behinds the facemask. "Kasi po syempre kailangan mo i-reverse isolate yung sarili mo para hindi ka mahawaan if ever na mayroong dumating na meron galing sa China."

Authorities had also placed thermal scanners at the NAIA's arrival areas.

According to NAIA-Quarantine Medical Officer Dr. Lotis de Guzman, an individual with a body temperature of 36.5 degrees Celcius would set off the scanner's alarm.

The passenger would then be scanned with a handheld digital thermometer to confirm the fever.

If confirmed, the traveler would be given a medical examination and would be interviewed about their travel history.

"Kung may indication aside from fever na may respiratory symptoms din, at we are highly suspecting na mayroong infectious disease ang passenger, then we refer them to our designated hospital which is the [Research Institute for Tropical Medicine]," De Guzman explained.

While no traveler from China had been placed under quarantine since the 2019-nCoV outbreak on December 31, there was no reason for health officials to be complacent as viruses have incubation periods of two to three days.

De Guzman also advised passengers with flu symptoms to visit a doctor.

At least three flights from China lands at the NAIA each day. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News