The Philippine government suspended flights from Thailand and Malaysia to prevent the spread of the more transmissible Covid-19 Delta variant.
The new measures, encompassing stricter restrictions in the Manila area, took effect from Sunday, July 25, and would run until late July, a presidential spokesman said on Friday.
Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases spokesperson Harry Roque explained that the two countries had been included in their expanded travel bans list.
“Beginning 12:01 a.m. of July 25, 2021 until 11:59 p.m. of July 31, 2021, such travelers shall be prohibited from entering the Philippines,” Roque said in a statement.
The Philippines has previously announced that it would ban travelers from eight countries, including India, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.
Roque added that passengers from those countries and travelers who visited both destinations 14 days before their arrival in the Philippines could enter the country if they arrived before 12:01 a.m. of July 25.
However, all had to be isolated for 14 days in the country’s quarantine facilities despite getting RT-PCR tests results.
Filipinos who are part of repatriation efforts or special commercial flights would not be affected by the new travel ban, Roque added.
Meanwhile, to prevent further local transmission of the Delta variant, President Rodrigo Duterte announced new tight restrictions across the Philippines until July 31.
Such stricter controls extend to the capital region, comprising 16 cities and over 13 million people, and four provinces.
Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte were placed under general community quarantine with “heightened restrictions.”
The president also announced that indoor sports and conference venues, gyms, and indoor tourist attractions could not operate.
Restaurants and eateries have also been ordered to cut back on outdoor and indoor dining.
Children aged 5-17 will not be allowed to leave their homes under the new measures dictated by the Philippine authorities.
The Philippine Health Department detected four local infections of the Delta variant on Thursday.
To date, it has logged 47 cases of the most contagious strain, including eight active cases and three deaths.
Thailand recorded a new record of 5,335 Covid-19 cases and 129 deaths on Sunday.
Authorities recently said the Delta strain dominated the country’s case toll.
