What does BOQ mean in BUREAUS

The Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) is a government agency responsible for protecting the country from the introduction and spread of infectious diseases through international travel. It is under the Department of Health (DOH) and is mandated to implement and enforce quarantine laws and regulations.

The BOQ performs various functions, including:

• Screening and inspection of passengers and crew arriving from international travel to detect and prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
• Implementing quarantine measures for individuals who may have been exposed to or infected with infectious diseases.
• Monitoring and surveillance of disease outbreaks and trends to provide timely information to health authorities.
• Issuing health certificates for travelers and ensuring compliance with international health regulations.
• Collaborating with other national and international organizations to enhance global health security.

The BOQ employs several measures to protect travelers, including:

• Thermal scanning and symptom checks at ports of entry to identify individuals with potential infectious diseases.
• Quarantine and isolation of suspected or confirmed cases to prevent further transmission.
• Vaccination and preventive measures to protect travelers from vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Health education and awareness campaigns to promote responsible travel practices.

Travelers are advised to:

• Declare any symptoms, recent illness, or contact with infectious diseases on their health declaration forms.
• Cooperate with screening and inspection procedures at ports of entry.
• Follow quarantine instructions if required.
• Get vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Practice good hygiene and preventive measures during travel.

You can reach the BOQ through the following channels:

• Telephone: +63 (2) 8884-4851
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.doh.gov.ph/boq