Philippines Considering Wider Travel Ban On Virus-Hit South Korea
PHILIPPINES CONSIDERING WIDER TRAVEL BAN – Yesterday, the Philippine government imposed a travel ban on the North Gyeongsang province in the attempt to contain the spread of the outbreak.
However, the inter-agency task force would be holding a meeting on Friday to discuss the potential expansion of the ban to more areas of South Korea, which has been a top tourism market for the Philippines.
In an interview with DZMM, Health Secretary Francisco Duque stated that they would look into the possibility of expanding the travel restriction. He added that the rapid increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is worrisome.
According to an article from ABS-CBN, South Korea had reported over 284 new cases on Wednesday. This would be their highest number of confirmed cases to date, bringing the nationwide total to 1,261.
Along with this, the death toll had also risen to 12. With the spread of the virus being this prevalent, the government had imposed ALERT LEVEL RED, the highest alert level for infectious diseases.
Currently, South Korea remained as the most-affected country after China, with the outbreak traced to a church in the southern city Daegu. Based on reports, the outbreak could have exploded due to a “superspreader” who went to the church.
With the ban in place, Filipinos are now barred from traveling to South Korea. This included its popular Jeju Island. However, as per the report, the government has exempted the following Filipinos from the ban.
- OFWs
- Students
- Permanent Residents of South Korea
These people would be exempted as long as they sign a written declaration that signified their knowledge of the potential “risks” in traveling to South Korea.
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