THE Department of Health (DoH) on Monday said it has ordered the Bureau of Quarantine to enhance the screening for arriving passengers, specifically those coming from countries where new Covid-19 variants have been detected.

The bureau has placed all its stations and other agencies under "heightened alert for KP.2 and KP.3 variants," said DoH spokesman Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo.

The bureau called on all travelers to complete the health questionnaire, which is part of the e-travel declaration mandatory for departing and arriving passengers.

Those who are experiencing signs and symptoms of Covid-19 were advised to go on home isolation.

"The general public should take basic health measures such as frequent hand washing, coughing etiquette, avoiding crowded situations and getting in contact with people with flu-like symptoms," the bureau said in a memo.

The KP.2 and KP.3 variants, more commonly known as "FLiRT," are descendants of JN.1 together with JN.1.18, and are being closely monitored by the World Health Organization.

Earlier this month, Singapore said it saw a steep spike in Covid-19 infections, breaching the 25,000 mark for the period of May 5 to 11 alone. Because of this, at-home testing kits for the virus have been selling out in pharmacies across the island-nation.

Herbosa last week said the DoH still does not see the need to impose health or border restrictions or recommend mandatory mask-wearing.

The health chief instead advised the public, especially those who experience flu-like symptoms, to get tested for Covid-19 "only when they have access" and if their respiratory distress last longer than five days.

Last week, the DoH said the Philippines remains at low risk for the new variants despite the slight increase in cases observed, with an average of 125 cases reported per day from May 7 to 13, 2024.

Infectious disease expert and Philippine College of Physicians President Rontgene Solante said the public need not be alarmed by the new Covid-19 variants as these pose low health risks.

These variants only present upper respiratory tract manifestations — slight cough, slight sore throat, phlegm, sometimes body pains — which are mostly mild and self-limiting symptoms.