Philippines shuts borders for 1 month due to COVID

The Philippine authorities have suspended the entry of foreigners and some citizens into the country for one month to curb the spread of the coronavirus and its strains, Report informs with reference to the Philippine National Task Force against COVID-19.

To prevent the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 strains from other countries and an increase in infection cases, all relevant departments are recommended to temporarily suspend the entry of foreign nationals into the country, as well as Filipinos returning from abroad, with the exception of those who left abroad with the purpose of work.

The ban will be in effect from March 20 to April 19. It does not apply to official representatives of foreign countries, foreign diplomats accredited in the country, and returning Filipinos who worked abroad. During this period, no more than 1,500 foreigners can enter the country daily.

On March 13, the Philippine authorities confirmed the detection of a new coronavirus variant in the republic. The identified strain was named P.3; a total of 98 such cases have been identified in the country. Besides, the Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of the Brazilian variant (P.1) in a Filipino returning from Brazil.