Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 201)
The Secretary of Health is designated as the Crisis Manager for the SARS contagion.
The Secretary of Health is granted powers to contain, control, prevent, and restrict the spread of SARS, including screening at ports of entry, establishing triage systems, contact tracing, educating the public, and mitigating non-health consequences.
All government agencies including the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Transportation and Communications, Department of Education, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Tourism, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Bureau of Immigration, airport and seaport authorities, National Security Council, and the Office of the Press Secretary.
An amount not exceeding One Billion Pesos (P1,000,000,000.00) is set aside from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds for the financial requirements of this Executive Order.
SARS is classified as a quarantinable disease due to its highly contagious nature and threat to public health.
BQIHS is responsible for examination, surveillance, detention, isolation, and quarantine of vessels, aircraft, passengers, crews, and cargo at all ports and airports, under the control and supervision of the Secretary of Health.
The Secretary of Education can order the closure of schools, suspend classes, or use school buildings to contain or manage the epidemic based on advice from the Secretary of Health.
Upon recommendation of the Secretary of Health, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government can mobilize the PNP, supervise local governments, enforce isolation and quarantine areas, maintain peace and order related to the crisis, and enforce checkpoints and movement restrictions within constitutional limits.
DOLE is responsible for providing information to departing Filipinos bound for SARS-affected countries, preventing departure from affected areas when necessary, and monitoring returning overseas Filipino workers who may pose a health threat.
Violations or infractions of lawful directives and orders from designated authorities will be punished according to applicable laws and rules related to SARS management.