The government yesterday encouraged travelers to fly in through the airports in Clark, Cebu, and others outside Metro Manila that are not under quarantine in going to the provinces.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles maintained that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will stay open but travelers flying in from abroad via the nation’s main international gateway will have to stay in Metro Manila until the domestic travel ban is lifted next month.
President Duterte has placed Metro Manila on a month-long community quarantine and imposed a domestic air, sea, and land travel ban starting March 15. The travel restrictions are among the latest government measures to curb the surging cases of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 in the National Capital Region.
“Anyone flying in from abroad via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will remain in Metro Manila until the domestic travel ban is lifted, and again that begins on March 15,” Nograles said.
“If the ultimate destination is in the provinces, we suggest that you fly in via Clark, Cebu, and other airports not under quarantine, they can proceed to your ultimate destination in the provinces,” he added.
The government has prohibited travelers from countries with local transmission of the virus from entering the country except Filipinos and their families, permanent residents, and holders of diplomatic visas. These travel restrictions were announced by Duterte during his public address last Thursday.
Nograles said that “very strict and stringent travel restrictions” will be imposed on travelers coming from coronavirus-hit countries.
He said Filipinos, including their foreign spouse and children, holders of permanent resident visas, and holders of diplomatic visas issued by the Philippine government, on the other hand, are welcome to the Philippines. (Genalyn Kabiling)
