Crew members of a Cebu Pacific flight from Hong Kong, including four passengers suspected to have been exposed to a person infected with the novel coronavirus, were subjected to screening by quarantine officers upon their arrival at the airport.
Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications Director Charo Logarta Lagamon said the company has been alerted by reports from the Hong Kong media about the four passengers who inadvertently were exposed to a person infected with the coronavirus.
Lagamon said “none of the passengers and crew was held for further observation.” She said the crew members and passengers were aboard Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 111, which arrived late Wednesday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
“Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, we advise passengers who were aboard Flight 5J 111 last January 22 to immediately seek medical attention should they exhibit flu-like symptoms including runny nose, cough, sore throat or fever. We have also disinfected the aircraft following our standard practice for all inbound international flights,” she said.
Lagamon said Cebu Pacific is closely monitoring the spread of the virus that originated in Wuhan, China, and have adopted precautionary measures in all of their flights.
She said air travelers are urged to take precautionary measures.
Although Philippine Airlines (PAL) does not operate flights to or from Wuhan, China, where the virus was reported to have originated, PAL spokesman Cielo Villaluna said “we are closely monitoring reports on the novel coronavirus.”
“We are closely coordinating with the Department of Health and the Bureau of Quarantine [BOQ] along with other concerned health authorities, in taking sensible precautionary measures for the safety and protection of our passengers. This includes non-obtrusive screening at specific airports,” Villaluna added.
She encouraged passengers to practice “simple and sensible” preventive measures as advised by the BOQ and the World Health Organization (WHO).
These measures include washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub; covering the mouth with tissue when coughing/sneezing; avoiding close contact with anyone with colds or flu-like symptoms; thoroughly cooking eggs and meat; avoiding unprotected contact with wild or farm animals; drinking plenty of water; and wearing a face mask.
Villaluna advised departing travelers not to proceed with their trip if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms: respiratory problems, cough and colds, flu, high body temperature, shortness of breath, and difficulty in breathing.
The Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) installed special cubicles in each terminal for a secondary checkup of arriving passengers suspected with fever and other symptoms of coronavirus infections, Monreal said.
Image credits: Nonie Reyes