Philippine Airport Officials on Alert After SARS Threat

[We previously reported on the Philippine Health Minister's comments here]

October 2, 2012
Manila: Alarmed by coronavirus, a new strain of virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Philippine health department ordered authorities to revive machines that monitor temperatures of people who arrive at air and sea ports nationwide, a senior official said.

“The department of health is watching coronavirus closely because it’s a SARS-like virus,” explained Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson.

“A team from the Bureau of Quarantine is also on alert for any possible illnesses that may be carried by (Filipino) citizens or tourists who come to the country,” said Valte, adding, “We have dealt with illnesses like that [in the past].”

But the World Health Organization (WHO) has not advised special screening of temperature of people arriving at air and seaports as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Continued:  http://gulfnews.com/news/world/philippines/philippine-airport-officials-on-alert-after-sars-threat-1.1083847