Photo by patrickroque1
Last night, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the highest alert level of Code Red Sublevel 2. He also declared a community quarantine for Metro Manila, which bars “land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from” the capital from March 15 to April 14, 2020. Classes across all levels have also been suspended until April 12.
The president additionally announced that foreigners from coronavirus-hit countries are banned from entering the Philippines.
These countries include:
Western Pacific Region
China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Philippines, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Cambodia
Europe
Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Austria, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, San Marino, Finland, Israel, Czechia, Portugal, Ireland, Slovenia, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Hungary, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Belarus, Belarus, and Bosnia and Herzegovina
South/East Asia
Thailand, India, Indonesia, Maldives, and Bangladesh
Eastern Mediterranean Region
Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Pakistan, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Americas
United States, Canada, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru
Africa
Algeria and Cameroon
However, Filipino citizens and their dependents, foreigners who are permanent residents of the Philippines, and holders of Philippine diplomatic visas are still allowed to enter the country.
They have to note, though, that those landing in NAIA can only stay in Metro Manila, as land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from the capital are banned. Those who are planning to go to the province are advised to fly in through other airports outside Metro Manila.
COVID-19 in the Philippines and around the world
The Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday three new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 52. The department also announced that five of the cases passed away.
As of posting, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 125,288 cases of COVID-19 with 4,614 deaths in 118 countries. However, it is important to note that recoveries are rising. John Hopkins University has declared 66,000 recoveries. China, which has the highest numbers of cases, reported 40 new cases on March 10, a stark contrast from 4,000 cases per day at some points in February. South Korea noticed a downward trend in new cases, while Macau discharged its last recovered patient on March 6.
Note from the editor: WASH YOUR HANDS. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR MOUTH, EYES, NOSE. ISOLATE YOURSELF.
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