MIAA: ‘Say your goodbyes at home’

THE Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has appealed to the public who have passengers to meet or send- off at the airport to refrain from coming in groups in an effort to contain and prevent the possible spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratory syndrome.

MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal on Friday appealed to families and friends of airline passengers not to bring highly vulnerable people to the airport — especially children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and those with underlying medical conditions — to protect them from possible exposure to the deadly disease that has resulted in over 700 deaths as of press time.

“This call is being made not to alarm the public. This is our simple way of supporting inter-agency efforts to prevent and contain the spread of the virus,” Monreal said.

Monreal added: “Let us say our goodbyes at home and not go to the airport in groups when meeting a passenger. It is very hard to fight tradition, but in times like this, everyone should look out for their own safety.”

The MIAA is also limiting the issuance of visitors’ passes for the purpose of sending off or meeting passengers. Exception will be given to cases when a companion may be necessary such as medical patients or other related emergency cases, person with disability, unaccompanied elderly, unaccompanied minor and unaccompanied pregnant woman.

Government repatriation efforts and activities in fulfillment of government international commitments are also exempted by the MIAA directive.

The issuance of passes to VIP rooms will likewise be limited to airport reception of official guests of the government and of foreign embassies, the MIAA said.

The airport chief is also suspending familiarization tours, movie/ad filming and other non-airport related activities.