BOC Monitors Entry Of ‘Ukay-Ukay’ Amid Coronavirus Scare
CORONAVIRUS – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) monitor the entry of ‘ukay-ukay’ items in the country amid coronavirus scare.
Following a previous article, several countries have banned citizens from Wuhan, China to visit their country due to the spread of the deadly novel coronavirus or nCoV. Antique Rep. Loren Legarda asked the Department of Health (DOH) to ban Chinese visitors in the country. However, the Health Department was not inclined to the politician’s recommendation.
The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak continued. The death toll for the virus has reached 169 and more than 1000 new cases confirmed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all governments to do something about the fatal outbreak.
Based on a report from Philstar, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has increased the monitoring of the shipment of products and animals from China. The used clothes popularly known as “ukay-ukay” items are among the shipments included in coronavirus watch.
The officials said the BOC is placed on alert since January 27 to ensure the safety of the Filipinos. Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Moranilla said the personnel who conduct the initial examination on the shipments are required to be in complete gear.
“Now, with regard to the coronavirus: number one, the commissioner has already issued a directive to our personnel to be in complete gear when conducting the initial examination for items coming in from countries that have been identified to have positive results in terms of infection of these viruses,” said Moranilla.
According to the report, Vincent Moranilla added that the BOC has coordinated with DOH and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regarding the imported products that are possibly contaminated with coronavirus.
“Right now, we are very high on alert especially on used clothing because ukay-ukay has a premium. We are still catching (ukay-ukay dealers). That’s one of the means where it can be transmitted…”
“There is a high risk that they might carry those viruses and we don’t want that,” he added.
What can you say about this article? Leave your comments and reactions below.