Filipinos are urged by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to postpone their non-essential travel amid the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to various parts of the world.
“We always say that if your travel is non-essential, it might be best to defer it to a later period once COVID-2019 has already been resolved, for everyone’s health and safety,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval told GMA News.
Sandoval said persons from Metro Manila can leave for abroad before the travel restriction becomes effective and they will be placed under assessment by the Bureau of Quarantine upon their return.
In a press briefing on Friday, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said international flights to Ninoy Aquino International Airport will continue but inbound and outbound passengers will have to stay inside the capital region starting March 15.
Filipinos who are returning to the country will be allowed, subject to quarantine restrictions.
Foreigners flying to their home countries abroad will likewise be allowed to leave the country.
Nograles suggested travelers to land in other airports if their ultimate destination is not Metro Manila.
Further discussions about the guidelines on the month-long travel restrictions in NCR will be done to avoid confusion once the measure takes effect.
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