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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Duterte expands ban on travelers from countries with local COVID-19 transmissions

Duterte expands ban on travelers from countries with local COVID-19 transmissions

Published Mar 12, 2020 12:00 am
By Argyll Geducos President Duterte announced that the Philippines will not be accepting travelers coming from countries with confirmed localized transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as he imposed a month-long community quarantine on Metro Manila. (Photo from Sen. Bong Go) (Photo from Sen. Bong Go) In his address to the public regarding the COVID-19 outbreak Thursday night, Duterte said only Filipino citizens from those countries will be allowed to enter. "Entry travel restrictions shall be imposed upon those traveling from countries with localized COVID-19 transmissions, except for Filipino citizens including their foreign spouse and children, if any, holders of permanent resident visa, and holders of 9(e) diplomat visas issued by the Philippine government," he said. Meanwhile, he announced the lifting of the travel ban on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to mainland China except for Hubei Province which is said to be the origin of the deadly disease. Their travel will only be allowed upon the execution of a declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved. A health advisory pamphlet will likewise be handed out to the OFWs upon their departure. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the government is doing its best to stop the spread of the disease. "To be clear, and to allay the fears and apprehension of the public, the government is essentially calling for a stricter implementation of preventive measures in order to slow down and put a halt to the further spread of COVID-19," he said. "While the Duterte Administration remains resolute in combating this disease, the Palace asks affected entities and individuals for their cooperation in properly observing the foregoing adopted measures," he added. WATCH
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