MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said the travel ban on tourists from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau only involved the temporary restriction of travel “to and from areas of concern” and should not be misconstrued as discrimination amid continued fears about the novel coronavirus.
“Following the order of the President, any passenger of any nationality who has been to China and their Special Administrative Regions within 14 days before coming to the Philippines shall automatically be denied entry. The only exception [are] Filipino citizens and Alien Permanent Status holders,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement.
Foreign passengers included in the ban who attempt to disembark would be sent back to their port of origin, he added.
Filipinos and alien permanent status holders from China, Hongkong and Macau including flight crew, shall be turned over to the Quarantine Bureau for assessment, the official said.Similar measures
Morente explained that the ban, as well as restricted travel, were similar measures being implemented in other countries “to curb the transmission of the virus.
He said Filipinos traveling to China, Hongkong and Macau were barred from leaving unless they were part of a government delegation on official business, or members of the World Health Organization and other agencies involved in fighting or containing the spread of the virus.
The ban includes overseas Filipino workers, as well as permanent residents of other countries, according to the guidelines.
Morente said that seaport personnel would be implementing the same measures, and would only allow passengers coming from China, Hong Kong and Macau upon clearance from the Bureau of Quarantine, after the 14-day quarantine period has lapsed.
In Malacañang, President Rodrigo Duterte has directed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to meet Filipinos to be repatriated from China on Saturday and explain to them the quarantine measures they are required to observe.
He also assured those living near Fort Magsaysay, designated as mandatory quarantine station that they will remain safe.
Safest area
“They should not fear and should not worry. That is the safest [area] because the highest quarantine level would be imposed there,” the President said.
But medical personnel who enter and leave the camp would be subjected to strict procedures, he added.
Malacañang has been observing safety protocols as well, including temperature checks on all visitors and personnel. Duterte also wears an air purifier around his neck.