Lawmakers urged not to travel before SONA to prevent H1N1 spread

MANILA, Philippines – An administrative official of the House of Representatives yesterday requested lawmakers to refrain from traveling abroad for at least 10 days before President Arroyo delivers her state-of-the-nation-address on July 27.

House secretary-general Marilyn Yap said this was necessary to prevent the possible spread of the A(H1N1) virus at the lower chamber.

“I can always suggest that they don’t (legislators) take foreign trips at least 10 days before the SONA,” she said. “But that’s always a matter of choice. At the end of the day, it is still their decision,” Yap told reporters at a pre-SONA briefing.

Yap also urged lawmakers who came from abroad to undergo “self-quarantine” for 10 days before reporting to work or attending the SONA as a precautionary measure.

Last week, a House employee died from complications from the H1N1 virus, prompting Congress to shut down its operations.

Yap said that in case another employee gets infected or a congressman tests positive for the virus, they would just lock down the affected area.

All entrance points in the 16-hectare Batasan Complex are equipped with thermal scanners to check the temperature of everyone who enters the House, whether employee or visitor.

Persons who register a temperature of 38 degrees celsius will automatically be denied entry.

Speaker Prospero Nograles said the House is all set for the SONA even after nearly a week of work suspension.

“We are in full and close coordination with all departments, agencies and offices concerned, including the Senate and Malacañang,” he said.

Nograles added that the week-long work suspension did not in any way affect SONA preparations.

The House SONA preparations group is expected to conduct inter-agency meetings and consultations by next week to coordinate every aspect of the event with the other government agencies.

“I commend the officials for their prompt action on the matter, and also the employees of the House Secretariat for their full cooperation,” the Speaker said, adding that the work suspension allowed the sanitation of the entire Batasan complex in coordination with the Department of Health.

Since the re-opening of the House, all employees, visitors and even members of Congress are required to pass through thermal scanners before entering the complex.

“FEVER FREE” tags are given to those who are allowed inside the complex, while those who are suspected to have fever are immediately referred to the House Medical Services for immediate and proper medical attention.

So far, no suspicious fever case has been reported at all entry points.