Manila: The Philippines will ban travellers coming from Malaysia and Thailand, as well as tighten restrictions in the Manila area, in a bid to prevent the spread of the contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus, the presidential spokesperson said on Friday (Jul 23).
The travel restriction will take effect from Sunday and run to the end of July, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a national address.
“This action is undertaken to prevent the further spread and community transmission of COVID-19 variants in the Philippines,” Roque said.
The Philippines has previously banned travellers from eight countries including Indonesia and India.
The country has been implementing travel bans and stringent border control measures to delay the entry of the variant, giving the country a headstart to prepare its capacity to manage potential surges.
Indoor sports and conference venues, indoor tourist attractions and gyms are not allowed to do business, while the operating capacity of indoor and al fresco dining has been cut.
Moreover, the public is advised to avoid unnecessary travels and gatherings.
