As a protective measure against the COVID-19, Filipino tourists are now temporarily prohibited to travel to South Korea, while people coming from epicenter province North Gyeongsang are barred from entering Philippines.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, the travel ban has been approved by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in South Korea.
However, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), students, and permanent residents are exempted from the outbound travel ban.
“The Inter-Agency has authorized Filipinos to travel to South Korea, provided that they are permanent residents thereof, or leaving for study, or are OFWs therein. They are to execute and sign a declaration, signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved, prior to their travel,” Panelo said.
“It has approved to impose a ban on the entry of travelers coming from the North Gyeongsang province of South Korea into Philippine territory, effective immediately,” he added.
Panelo admitted the partial travel ban will surely adversely affect the Philippine tourism industry, given that South Koreans are our top visitors.
Meanwhile, the Palace expressed gratitude to all those who have extended help in the successful repatriation of more than 400 Filipinos from the COVID-19-infected Diamond Princess Cruise Ship in Japan.
“We would like to thank by the way those who helped, Japan especially, even Philippine Airlines. It was a joint effort by private and government action to successfully repatriate our countrymen,” he said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
