Philippines Expanded Travel Ban

This was announced at the same time as the 30 day Manila "travel lockdown", but has not received as much publicity. Still waiting for exact details/clarification.
The Philippines has extended its travel ban to all countries with confirmed "localized transmission" of Coronavirus. Only Filipino citizens & their dependents, perm. resident holders and diplomats arriving from those countries will be allowed entrance to the Philippines.
What's noteworthy is that according to the WHO, this list includes the US, Australia, and several other countries not previously affected:
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news...untries-with-local-COVID-19-transmission.html
https://www.rappler.com/nation/254274-philippines-bans-foreigners-novel-coronavirus-hit-countries

 

Philippines consulate in London confirms that the expanded ban applies to the UK and Ireland.
https://londonpe.dfa.gov.ph/embassy-news/1074-covid-19-special-advisory-travel-to-the-philippines

 

Thanks, bought a ticket for my son from my first marriage to visit next week. That’s enough evidence to claim on the credit card now.

 

The absurdity of this ban will become clear when the virus has been spread across the major portions of the world and every country is on lockdown, which means that in each country the virus will run it natural course of killing off a very small portion of the population while the rest survive with possible immunity to further infections of viruses in the same family. There still remains the unanswered question as to whether surviving the infection actually provides immunity to further infections or whether a person can be reinfected. Most notably survival usually means that the body has built up enough antibodies to fight off the infection and that the person should be immune. I have not read any definitive comments on this aspect.

It is beyond absurd that small islands should be quarantined due to the fact that without commerce, all businesses will die along with the population suffering from lack of medicines, medical care, food, etc. I just got back to Siquijor from a RT to Dumaguete to pick up my passport. I am scheduled to return next week to renew my tourist visa. However, there is now word circulating on Siquijor that it will be quarantined because there are now 3 cases of the virus. That means no more transports to or from Siquijor. If anything would precipitate a revolution, it would be causing the mass failure of businesses that can no longer get stock, including food and medicine, and the population that would suffer as a consequence.

 

Their definition of quarantine here is a bit loose. They say lockdown but it’s not really a lockdown. Take a look at Manila. Businesses are still open, people are still coming in and leaving by the droves. Goods are allowed in as well. I don’t understand it really, a bit hard to contain the virus if they’re letting people in and out.

 

It begins March 15.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

DILG have already announced that they will do all that I’ve mentioned above starting March 15. They will let goods in and all those who are working in Manila as long as they can show ID. Like I said, it’s not really a lockdown where no one gets in or out.

 

As per your visa, if its possible to call them to find out if with these lockdowns, will you be punished accordingly if you miss your visa deadline because of this, or will they make reasonable exceptions in this regard

 

Looks like we are on lockdown. I doubt schools will start back up Wednesday. I hope we can still receive mail.