Philippines imposes travel ban on travelers from India

The Philippines has imposed a travel ban on all travelers from India amid the deadly resurgence of the COVID-19 in the South Asian country, presidential spokesman Harry Roque has said.

Also prohibited from entering the country are those who have travel to India over the 14 days. The ban will begin at 12:01 a.m. on April 29, 2021 and will last until May 14.

Passengers already in transit and who will arrive before Thursday shall not be included in the travel restrictions.

“Restrictions as to travelers coming from other countries that report the new strain may be imposed by the Office of the President upon the joint recommendation of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Roque said.

The Department of Transportation was also directed to ensure that airlines will not allow the boarding of passengers from entering the Philippines unless part of repatriation efforts by the government.

India's coronavirus death toll neared the bleak milestone of 200,000 with another 2,771 fatalities reported on Tuesday, while its armed forces pledged urgent medical aid to help battle the staggering spike in infections.

Over the past 24 hours, India recorded 323,144 new cases, slightly below a worldwide peak of 352,991 reached on Monday, with overrun hospitals turning away patients due to a shortage of beds and oxygen supplies. 

Two Filipinos have died in India due to COVID-19.

According to the DOH, the variant from India was first detected in October 2020.

However, experts have said the surge in India was largely driven by a new coronavirus variant described as a “double mutant” due to its mutations.

The DOH also said that the variant was classified as a variant under investigation and not a variant of concern based on the definitions set by the World Health Organization.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin earlier said he had recommended that the government impose a temporary ban on travelers from India.--NB, GMA News