The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminded Filipinos all over the world, particularly in areas affected by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD), to exercise personal precaution to ensure their health and safety.
As the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n-CoV) has already been raised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global emergency, several recommendations have been triggered to all countries that aim to prevent or reduce the cross-border spread of disease, while avoiding unnecessary interference with trade and travel.
DFA Urges Filipinos Worldwide to Adhere to Safety Reminders Regarding COVID-19
According to the DFA, Filipinos who need 2019 nCoV ARD-related assistance are urged to get in touch with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate General in their area immediately.
And in line with the developing situation of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019 n-CoV) in China and its Special Administrative Regions, the Philippine Foreign Service Posts are temporarily suspending the issuance of visas, effective immediately, to the following:
- Foreign nationals directly coming from China and its Special Administrative Regions; and
- Foreign nationals, who, within fourteen (14) days immediately preceding arrival in the Philippines, have been to China, and its Special Administrative Regions.
Meanwhile, foreign nationals with visa-free entry privileges to the Philippines, falling under the above-mentioned categories, are likewise covered by the temporary travel ban imposed by the Philippine Government.
In the same manner, the Sabah government has expanded the travel restriction to all points of entry by air, sea or land with immediate effect starting Saturday (February 8), as shared by a local newspaper, The Sun Daily.
According to Sabah State Secretary Datuk Safar Untong, the decision aims to contain the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) even though Sabah is, to date, free of any person who tested positive for the epidemic.
The state secretary added that the travel restriction will involve all foreigners as well as Malaysian citizens (non-residents of Sabah) with recent travel history to mainland China within the last 14 days, who will not be allowed to enter the state.
Safar explained, “Any Sabahan, permanent resident of Sabah and resident of Sabah under work pass, students pass, long-term social visit pass or an exemption order, returning from mainland China is subject to a compulsory 14 days’ home quarantine.”
He added that the travel restriction also applies to all transit passengers originating from or traveling through mainland China as they will not be allowed entry into Sabah.
“China nationals who are still in Sabah are advised to depart or return before expiry of their visa. Should the visa be expiring, only one visa extension, to a maximum of seven days, may be granted,” Safar explained.
Do note, however, that the travel restriction is a temporary prohibition order of the state government’s stand in view of the current 2019-nCoV outbreak.
Meanwhile, according to the DFA-Office of Consular Affairs, Filipino applicants with confirmed appointments who will be unable to avail of consular services due to circumstances related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD) such as:
- canceled or redirected flights
- mandated to undergo the 14-day quarantine
will be accommodated within 30 days from the date of their appointment, during regular office hours, at the Consular Office where the appointment was booked.
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