Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines celebrates after knocking down Ricky Hatton of England in the second round during their junior welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Health Secretary Francisco Duque has advised Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and his entourage to postpone their flight back to the Philippines as a safety measure against swine flu.
The boxing champion is scheduled to be back in the Philippines on Friday, May 8, 2009 after his victory against Britain’s Ricky Hatton. The Palace has already announced that Friday would be a “national day of celebration” for Pacquiao’s homecoming and victory over Hatton.
There were confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in Las Vegas where the Pacquiao-Hatton fight was held and Duque is hoping that Pacquiao and his entourage would “self-quarantine” to be sure they don’t have the virus. Duque also added that it would take five days for swine flu symptoms to appear.
The Department of Health has also said that “there were concerns that the motorcade, which was due to drive through Manila in celebration, could pose a risk of spreading the virus.”
No confirmed cases of swine flu have reported in the Philippines but there are some cases, which are under observation.
