Only OFWs Allowed to Return to PH

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stated that only Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from countries infected with the new strain of SARS-COV-2 strain are allowed to enter the Philippines.

According to DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, President Rodrigo Duterte decided to allow OFWs from the United Kingdom and other infected countries to return home.

Secretary Bello clarified that only OFWs are allowed to travel back to the country. However, included in the travel ban are relatives and other balikbayans.

The country implemented a travel ban in some countries after a more contagious and deadly strain of SARS-COV-2 was discovered.

The countries included in the travel ban were United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Israel, Netherlands, China, Hongkong, Macao, Switzerland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Sweden, South Korea, South Africa, Canada, and Spain.

The travel was implemented earlier this month from December 24 to December 31 but was extended for another two weeks by President Duterte to avoid a possible entry of the new strain of SARS-COV-2 strain in the country. (ASC)