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Travel ban for nCoV covers Taiwan, says DOH exec


The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday clarified that the Philippines’ temporary travel restrictions amid the 2019 novel coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak also cover Taiwan.

“Since we have a temporary travel restriction on China, then Taiwan is included,” Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said at a press briefing.

Earlier on Monday, however, Health Undersecretary Gerardo Bayugo said the inclusion of Taiwan in the travel ban is “not yet agreed or final.”

Domingo maintained that while there was some confusion over the inclusion of Taiwan in the ban, the restrictions have been enforced on travelers coming from the said country since late last week.

“As of now, as a part of the restriction of travel from China, Taiwan is included,” he said.

“When we asked the World Health Organization very, very clearly, they always refer to just one China and Taiwan is included, even in their official reports.”

Under the travel restrictions imposed by Malacañang last week, travelers coming from China, Hong Kong, and Macau are temporarily barred from entering the Philippines while Filipinos and Philippine permanent resident visa holders coming from the same countries must undergo a 14-day quarantine.

Taiwan confirmed its 18th confirmed nCoV case on Sunday.

In the Philippines, there are three confirmed nCoV cases with over 300 others under probe for possible infection. —KBK, GMA News

Tags: ncov, coronavirus
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