Philippines to stop entry of foreigners, returning citizens as COVID-19 cases climb

Philippines will suspend the entry of foreigners and some returning citizens for a month starting March 20 to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In a circular, the country’s coronavirus task force said foreign citizens and returning nationals, who are not overseas workers, will not be able to enter the country until April 19 "in light of efforts to prevent the entry of SARS-CoV-2 variants from other countries and the further rise of cases".

Exemptions will be made for medical repatriation and humanitarian cases, and accredited officials of foreign governments.

The Civil Aeronautics Board on Tuesday also limited international inbound arrivals in its main Manila airport to 1,500 passengers a day for a month starting March 18.

Due to the increasing number of new cases of COVID-19 here in the Philippines, the National Task Force temporarily suspends the travel into the Philippines for foreigners and returning Overseas filipino workers. pic.twitter.com/NxQq6UDhjX

— Department of Health Philippines (@DOHgovph) March 16, 2021

The Philippines has reported daily cases above 4,000 for the fifth day on Tuesday, bringing total infections to over 631,000.