The Philippine government has extended its travel ban to two other countries amid concerns of a possible surge of the Indian variant of Covid-19 in the country.
The Philippine government has imposed a ban on travelers coming from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman until the end of May due to the threat of the Covid-19 strain that originated from India.
In the announcement, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said that the travel ban is for inbound Filipinos from the UAE and Oman effective May 15 until the end of the month.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that the travel restrictions in place were recommended by the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
On top of returning citizens from Oman and UAE, those with travel histories in the two countries within the last fourteen days are also prohibited from entering the country from May 15 to May 31.
Oman and the UAE join the growing list of countries in the Philippines’ current travel ban, which already includes the countries of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
These travel restrictions will be in place until 11:59 PM of May 31 unless extended once again by the government.
This is definitely a good move coming from the national government, as the country cannot afford another influx in COVID-19 cases.
The country’s healthcare sector is already overwhelmed in trying to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, and having people come in from other high-risk countries puts them and the entire country at more risk.
Currently, the Philippines has recorded 12 cases of the India variant, most of whom were seafarers. (See also: Bigger fight ahead; vigilance needed as DOH detects 10 new India variant cases )
In order to contain the spread of this variant, the government has been doing all it can to avoid more people from contracting it by imposing travel bans on other countries. (MO)
Tags: #travelban, #Covid19, #B1617variant, #OverseasWorkersWelfareAdministration