By Genalyn Kabiling and Roy Mabasa “Secretary of Health Duque confirmed that the inter-agency task force for emerging infectious disease has decided to lift the travel ban of the overseas workers going to Macau and Hong Kong. And according to him, those OFWs going back would have to make a written declaration that they know the risk of going back to their places of work,” he said in an interview with reporters at the Palace. “For those coming back from Macau and Hong Kong, the families of Filipinos who are there can come back as well as those having permanent residence holders as well as the members of diplomatic corps and families,” he added. He admitted that the lifting of the travel restrictions was reached following the appeals concerning the welfare of Filipino workers. Some groups earlier appealed for the removal of the travel ban so the Filipino workers could return to their places of work in Hong Kong and Macau after being stranded due to the restrictions over the threat of COVID-19. "The only reason why we have a travel ban is the president is concerned about their safety. But if they themselves are requesting, they know the risk then…" he said. Panelo assured that the government would provide assistance in case any Filipino catches the coronavirus disease. "Definitely the government will always protect, provide support and assistance to all Filipinos whether here or abroad," he said. The government implemented a travel ban on China, Macau and Hong Kong last January 31 following the outbreak of the respiratory illness. Foreigners coming from these places were restricted from entering the country. Filipinos are allowed to return home but subject to a 14-day quarantine. Locals have been also prohibited from visiting these places for the meantime. The travel ban was later expanded to Taiwan, but was later lifted after the sufficient health protocols to prevent the spread of the disease. Meanwhile, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Civilian Security Brigido Dulay announced on Tuesday the exemption from the existing travel ban of overseas Filipino workers returning for work in China’s administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. “Today, DFA Sec. Locsin’s advocacy has come true. OFWs returning for work in Hong Kong and Macau have been exempted from the outbound travel ban by the IATF-EID, subject to certain procedural formalities,” Dulay said in a tweet. https://twitter.com/dododulay/status/1229648052589223937 Dulay was referring to an earlier recommendation made by Locsin who personally asked President Duterte to lift the temporary ban that the latter imposed on Filipino workers in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Over the weekend, Locsin repeated his promise to work for the lifting of the ban following the positive development of COVID-19 cases in the former Crown Colony. https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1229662847765860353   “Time to allow our domestic workers to return to their employers in Hong Kong. Eagerly awaited,” Locsin said in a tweet on Saturday, adding that Hong Kong has better facilities to contain the virus. Health authorities in Hong Kong confirmed there were no new cases found on Saturday, but admitted they would need more time to monitor developments citywide. (With a report from Rizal Obanil) READ MORE: Duterte orders entry ban on all nationalities traveling from China except Filipinos