Duterte allows return of OFWs to China except Hubei province

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday relaxed the travel restrictions on Filipinos working in China amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Addressing the nation from Malacañang, Duterte said returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be allowed to travel to mainland China, except to Hubei province.

However, the OFWs must execute and sign a declaration, signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved in their trip.

A health advisory pamphlet will also be handed out to them upon their departure.

China has made major strides in its battle against the virus, prompting President Xi Jinping to visit Wuhan, the central city at the heart of the global epidemic, on Tuesday and declare that it has "basically curbed" the spread of the disease.

The Philippines currently implements a selective travel ban to and from China, Hong Kong, Macau, as well as South Korea to prevent the spread of the deadly virus that originated in Hubei’s capital Wuhan.—LDF, GMA News