Temporary hold on foreigners entering the Philippines

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Joey G
Posted
Posted

Hold that ticket....

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/779971/philippines-suspends-entry-of-foreigners-returning-filipinos-who-are-not-ofws/story/

By JOAHNA LEI CASILAO, GMA News 
 
 

The Philippine government has suspended the entry of foreign nationals and returning overseas Filipinos who are non-overseas Filipino workers into the country starting Saturday, March 20 until Monday, April 19.The National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) also directed concerned agencies to limit the number of inbound international passengers to 1,500 a day.

They  said the measures were meant to prevent a further rise in coronavirus cases as well as to prevent the entry of coronavirus variants from other countries.

Under Memorandum Circular No. 5, the following individuals are exempted from the entry ban:

  • Holders of 9(c) visas
  • Medical repatriation and their escort/s duly endorsed by the DFA-OUMWA or OWWA
  • Distressed ROFs duly endorsed by DFA-OUMWA
  • Emergency, humanitarian, and other analogous cases approved by the NTF-COVID-19
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Snowy79
Posted
Posted (edited)

Yet another change which may affect a few people.  

 

PH suspends entry of foreigners, non-OFW returnees

MAR 17, 2021 12:23 AM PHT

RAPPLER.COM

The Philippine government has temporarily suspended the entry of foreign nationals and returning Filipinos who are not overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. 

In a memorandum circular dated Tuesday, March 16, the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) directed "all concerned agencies" to implement the travel restrictions from March 20 to April 19. 

The following are exempted from the ban:

Holders of 9(c) visas 

Medical repatriation and their escort/s duly endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers (DFA-OUMWA) or the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)

Distressed ROFs duly endorsed by the DFA-OUMWA 

Emergency, humanitarian, and other analogous cases approved by the NTF COVID-19

The Philippine government earlier announced it would be imposing a capon international arrivals to a maximum of 1,500 passengers per day, from March 18 until April 19. 

The order cited "efforts to prevent entry of SARS-CoV-2 variants from other countries and the further rise of cases" as reasons for the travel restrictions. 

The Philippines has been seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases, logging 5,404 new cases – the 4th highest daily tally since the pandemic began – on Monday, March 15, or one year since Metro Manila's lockdown started.

As of Tuesday, the country has 631,320 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 57,736 active cases, 12,848 deaths, and 560,736 recoveries. – Rappler.com

Italics content added by Old55 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-suspends-entry-foreigners-non-ofw-returnees

Edited by Old55
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Heeb
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They’re worried about a few people who must get tested twice and do a mandatory quarantine, yet if you go to the barangays you won’t see anyone wearing a mask. 

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Shol
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Posted
9 hours ago, Heeb said:

They’re worried about a few people who must get tested twice and do a mandatory quarantine, yet if you go to the barangays you won’t see anyone wearing a mask. 

They put a liquor ban back into QC for some reason.   I mean I can understand perhaps restos and bars but wouldn't it be a good thing if i stayed him always getting drunk :) ?

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Terry P
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Posted
9 hours ago, Heeb said:

They’re worried about a few people who must get tested twice and do a mandatory quarantine, yet if you go to the barangays you won’t see anyone wearing a mask. 

Perhaps it's because there is little or no infection within the barangays so no need for masks

Quarantine is probably to stop infection being imported

There will be alternative opinions as to why it's happening but to me that seems the most logical

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JJReyes
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Posted

Apparently, the Philippine government is of the opinion that returning non-OFWs are the reason for the spike in Covid-19 cases.  Never mind that this group are required to quarantine and receive a test prior to release.  Brilliant.  Time to watch the number of Covid-19 cases dramatically drop everyday during the next 30 days.  

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Old55
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Posted
1 minute ago, JJReyes said:

Apparently, the Philippine government is of the opinion that returning non-OFWs are the reason for the spike in Covid-19 cases.  Never mind that this group are required to quarantine and receive a test prior to release.  Brilliant.  Time to watch the number of Covid-19 cases dramatically drop everyday during the next 30 days.  

I agree JJ. Blaming tested negative visitors that are will go immediately to quarantine short sighted especially considering the economic suffering taking place now.

If there is a shortage of quarantine hotels then what a great opportunity for revenue. I find it hard to believe "Free" money would sit on the table long. On the other hand this is Philippines so........  :wink:

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JJReyes
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4 minutes ago, Old55 said:

I agree JJ. Blaming tested negative visitors that are will go immediately to quarantine short sighted especially considering the economic suffering taking place now.

If there is a shortage of quarantine hotels then what a great opportunity for revenue. I find it hard to believe "Free" money would sit on the table long. On the other hand this is Philippines so........  :wink:

My suggestion is for the Philippine government to look at Cancun, Mexico as an example.  No quarantine.  No testing required for entry into the country.  Cancun is booming.  Even Turkish Airlines started direct flights from Istanbul so their wealthier residents can have a good time.  There is an increase of Covid-19 cases within the enclave, but nothing unreasonable.  They even offer medical insurance for hospital care if you come down with the virus.  Five star hotels are offering packages that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets and non-premium alcoholic drinks for around $100 per person per day double occupancy.  

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scott h
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Posted
1 hour ago, Old55 said:

 Blaming tested negative visitors that are will go immediately to quarantine short sighted especially considering the economic suffering taking place now.

My question is, if all visitors are tested at the airport, sent to quarantine, tested again before release in 14 days, just how the hell are these new variants or new positives getting here?

I asked this out load and the wife looked at me (you know that look that says "no wonder I have to cut your meat and pick what cloths you wear" :hystery:)

She said, OFW's are bribing immigration officials and guards at quarantine hotels....she has no proof,,,but wouldn't surprise me :whistling:

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Old55
Posted
Posted (edited)

Scott, I didn't consider that. It's likely occurring in some cases even though the chances are slight they would become positive. 

Edited by Old55
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