Amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon due to the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (CoVID-19) pandemic, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases has lifted the 72-hour window for outgoing travel in the Philippines.
According to Cabinet Secretary and IATF spokesperson Karlo Nograles, they have taken into account the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and Filipinos affected by the lockdown of the airports and sea ports in Luzon.
“Provided, that proof of international travel itinerary scheduled within twenty-four (24) hours must be presented. (JCUT) Provided, further, that departing passengers may only be accompanied by not more than one (1) person when traveling to any international port. Provided, further, that OWWA may provide transportation services to OFWs intending to leave for abroad,” Nograles pointed out.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, along with the IATF members, held a press conference Tuesday night to inform the public on the changes in the guidelines for the safety of Filipinos.
Point-to-point services are given to health workers and other frontliners while employees from different sectors are also given necessary aid.
The operations of capital markets such as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Philippine Stock Exchange will continue with a skeletal workforce.
The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) are currently suspended as announced by the IATF.
IATF has asked the public for trust and cooperation and reminded that guidelines are subject to change any time depending on the crisis at hand.
-Mela Lesmoras
