By Ana Rufa Padua

Philippines added Thailand and Malaysia to the list of countries banned from entering the country on July 23, Friday, as the cases of Delta variant continue to increase.

Thailand and Malaysia have been experiencing a surge in the number of Delta variant cases, recording more than 13,000 cases for each country.

Incoming travelers and those with travel history to the two countries within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter the Philippines starting from July 25 until the end of the month.

“President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved the travel restrictions for all travelers coming from Malaysia and Thailand or those with travel history to Malaysia and Thailand within the last 14 days preceding arrival in the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.

Travelers who are already in transit from Thailand and Malaysia within 14 days before their arrival and those who arrive before July 25 will still be allowed to enter the country given that they undergo a full 14-day facility quarantine (even if they test negative).

Currently, there are seven countries included in the travel ban: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, UAE, and Oman.

A total of 47 Delta variant cases have been reported in the Philippines, 23 are local cases and 12 of these were logged on Thursday, July 22.

The Department of Health has also confirmed that there is already a local transmission of the said variant.

REFERENCES:

Gita-Carlos, R. A. (2021, July 23). Travel ban covers Thailand, Malaysia amid Delta variant threat. Philippine News Agency. www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147999

Ranada, P. (2021, July 23). Philippines imposes travel ban on Thailand, Malaysia over Delta variant fears. Rappler.

www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-imposes-travel-ban-thailand-malaysia-delta-variant

Photo Source: Reuters.com