NTF adviser calls for Hong Kong to be in yellow/red list over new coronavirus variant

National Task Force Against COVID-19 adviser Dr. Ted Herbosa said on Friday that Hong Kong should be placed on the yellow or red list following the detection of a new coronavirus variant that is feared to make vaccines less effective.

Currently, Hong Kong is included in the “green list” areas with low risk for COVID-19 transmission. Fully-vaccinated travelers from these areas may skip facility quarantine upon arrival.

On Thursday, Scientists in South Africa said hey had detected a new COVID-19 variant with multiple mutations.

The variant was detected in Botswana and Hong Kong among travelers from South Africa

“Well, ang Hong Kong ay kasama sa ating green list… green list at ibababa natin ‘yan sa yellow or red category,” Herbosa said in an interview on Balitanghali.

(Hong Kong is included in our green list... [we should] lower that to the yellow or red category.)

Travelers from yellow list countries are allowed to enter the Philippines, subject to applicable quarantine and testing protocols.

Meanwhile, travelers from the red list or high-risk areas are barred from entering the country.

The B.1.1.529 variant, which was found to have at least 10 mutations, has been detected in South Africa and Botswana.

South Africa is also under the country’s green list while Botswana is classified in the yellow list.

OCTA fellow Dr. Guido David earlier called for an escalation of restrictions for these two countries, saying that the variant may be a potential cause of concern.

Meanwhile, Herbosa said the country should continue its testing operations and implement localized lockdowns. — DVM, GMA News