Baguio City is prohibiting the entry of tourists again due to the threat of the Omicron coronavirus variant and the rising cases of COVID-19, its tourism office said Sunday.
All requests for leisure travel passes for Baguio City will be rejected starting Jan. 2 until further notice, local authorities said.
"In view of the threat of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, and the expected surge in cases, we are temporarily not allowing new requests for leisure travel on Baguio VISITA," the local tourism office said in a Facebook post.
Authorities however clarified that previously approved leisure travel requests would still be honored and allowed entry.
For returning Baguio residents and those traveling for business, they need to register at the city's health declaration form website and are subject to documentary requirements and health screening.
The tightening of travel restrictions came as COVID-19 cases in the Philippines doubled over the past few days.
On New Year's eve, the government warned of the possibility of an "exponential rise" in infections due to the Omicron variant and complacency in the observance of minimum health standards.
MORE ON OMICRON:
Philippines Reports 3 Local Omicron Cases
Omicron Risk Remains 'Very High': WHO
Omicron Infection Could Protect Against Delta, Study Says
