PRESIDENT Arroyo and her delegation will undergo thermal scanning, self-quarantine and other measures for the prevention of the spread of the influenza A(H1N1) virus, when they arrive on June 26, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said yesterday.

Arroyo is on a state visit to Brazil. She went there after her June 17-20 working visit to Japan. She also made unannounced side trips to Los Angeles on June 20 and Cartagena, Colombia on June 21. The US and the three countries are among some 90 which have reported cases of the new flu.

Ermita said: "The presidential party will submit themselves to…thermal screening and they will undertake their own voluntary quarantine for several days…including the President."

The health department is recommending 10 days quarantine, based on the virus’ 10-day incubation period.

Arroyo is scheduled to visit Pampanga and other provinces starting next week.

Among those in the presidential party are presidential spouse Mike Arroyo; Secretaries Alberto Romulo (Foreign Affairs), Peter Favila (Trade), Arthur Yap (Agriculture), Esperanza Cabral (Social Welfare), Margarito Teves (Finance) and Angelo Reyes (Energy); Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago; and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Ermita said it was Mr. Arroyo’s call to join the trips amid the flu spread. Mike Arroyo underwent heart surgery in April 2007. In November 2008, he caused a presidential flight bound for Peru to be diverted to Japan because of health reasons.

Rep. Risa Hontiveros (PL, Akbayan) said the House should effect a temporary ban on foreign trips and ask those who traveled to go on self-quarantine.

Several congressmen tagged along with the President during her visit to Brazil.

Rep. Edno Joson (Ind., Nueva Ecija) said that while a travel ban should be in place, it will be very hard to impose a travel ban on congressmen and even executive officials since President Arroyo, herself, leaves the country too often.