PH Ambassador Says Travel Ban To China Not Needed Amidst Virus Outbreak
TRAVEL BAN TO CHINA NOT NEEDED – According to the Philippine’s Ambassador to Beijing, a travel ban to China would not be needed.
This, despite the massive outbreak of the new Wuhan Coronavirus that has killed at least 169 people and infected 1000 more.
Based on an article from ABS-CBN, Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sto. Romana said a travel ban would not be necessary because a travel ban was imposed by China itself.
However, the Department of Foreign affairs had directed its embassy not to issue visas to residents of Hubei where the virus is most rampant. In addition, Chinese citizens with recent travel history would also be denied visas.
The Philippine government had been preparing to evacuate some 50 Filipinos in China. However, they were urged to rethink the situation as returning home would “increase risks to exposure”.
As per the article, the World Health Organization (WHO) director-general visited Beijing and talked with Chinese officials. He said that an evacuation would not be necessary and that quarantine was the “best way”.
Exercise self-quarantine, minimize social contact. This is the best way
Currently, there had not been any reported cases of Filipinos in China being infected with the virus. However, those who opt to come back to the country will be put under a 14-day quarantine.
Meanwhile, two cruise ships from China were declared clear and safe from the Novel Coronavirus. The ships arrived in Manila from Hong Kong on Tuesday.
In addition, its 778 passengers were authorized to travel by the Bureau of Quarantine. This sparked fears among some residents in the Philippines.
The new Wuhan Virus has an incubation period of 14 days. However, although not proven, there is still a possibility that during that period, the infection could still be transmitted.
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