As another measure to curb the sudden spike of COVID-19 cases in the country, the Philippines is officially halting the issuance of visas, along with a temporary ban on all foreigners from entering the country.
Department of Foreign Affairs' Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. broke the news today, March 19 at 4 p.m. on his official Twitter page, also stating that foreign visitors flying out of the country will be provided with the ample help they need to do so.
“We are stopping the issuance of visas from all posts abroad and here. This goes one imperative step forward: a total ban on incoming foreign visitors of all nationalities, no exceptions. Outgoing foreign visitors should be given all the help to get out. Idiotic to detain them,” his tweet reads.
Locsin also released a copy of the announcement. It reads: "Starting today, all our Embassies and Consulates will temporarily suspend visa issuance to all foreign nationals as well as the visa-free entry privileges of all foreign nationals. Moreover, all previously issued Philippine visas to foreign nationals are deemed cancelled. Visas already issued to foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals remain valid."
Based on Department of Health’s 4 p.m. bulletin today, March 19, 15 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the country, bringing the total to 217, with fatalities at 17.
Looking at the bright side, yet another patient was reported to have recovered today, putting the count of COVID-19 recoveries to eight. The Department of Health bulletin reports the discharged patient as a 48-year-old Filipino male with a recent travel history to Japan. He has since tested negative twice for COVID-19.
The entirety of Luzon will remain under enhanced community quarantine until April 13 (12 a.m). In line with this, starting tomorrow, March 20, outgoing international flights leaving Luzon will be strictly banned as well until the end of the imposed lockdown.
This story originally appeared on Preview.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Spot.ph editors.
Main image from Unsplash / Ina Carolino.