The Philippines logged 4,575 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, as the country reopened to foreign travelers with eased restrictions for spouses and children of Filipino nationals.
The day's tally brought active cases to 93,307. The Department of Health also reported 7,504 new recoveries and 94 new deaths.
Overall, a total of 3,627,575 COVID-19 cases have been logged since the pandemic began in March 2020, of which 3,479,485 have recovered and 54,783 died.
Starting Feb. 10, foreigners from from visa-free countries will be allowed to enter the Philippines. Returning Filipinos and OFWs can also skip facility-based quarantine as long as they're fully vaccinated.
Starting Feb. 16, only fully vaccinated arrivals will be accepted.
Foreign spouses and children of returning Filipinos including former Filipino nationals with Balikbayan privileges under the law no longer have to present a valid return ticket when traveling to the Philippines, Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles said.
Individuals covered are still required to present proof of vaccination and a negative RT-PCR test. Minors below 12-years-old must travel with fully vaccinated companions.
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