MANILA, Philippines – The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has amended its earlier resolution to exempt some foreigners from a travel ban imposed by the Philippines against the new coronavirus variant, the Malacañang said Friday.

“The IATF amended its earlier resolution, IATF Resolution No 92, on all foreign travelers covered by travel restrictions because of the new COVID-19 variants by specifying those exempted, such as foreign nationals with valid visas, which include personnel of accredited international organizations, and spouse and minor children of Filipino citizens traveling with them,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

“Those who arrive for medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts, if any, are now subject to applicable testing and quarantine protocols as prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH),” he added.

The country’s travel restriction, which will last until January 31, covers travelers from the following countries:

• United Kingdom
• Denmark
• Ireland
• Japan
• Australia
• Israel
• The Netherlands
• China (including Hong Kong)
• Switzerland
• France
• Germany
• Iceland
• Italy
• Lebanon
• Singapore
• Sweden
• South Korea
• South Africa
• Canada
• Spain
• United States
• Portugal
• India
• Finland
• Norway
• Jordan
• Brazil
• Austria
• Pakistan
• Jamaica
• Luxembourg
• Oman
• UAE
• Hungary

Meanwhile, from the strict observation of an absolute 14-day facility-based quarantine period for Filipino citizens coming from areas where travel restrictions are in place, Roque said the IATF amended this to prescribed testing and quarantine protocols.

“Further, Filipino citizens arriving for highly exceptional and/or medical reasons and local diplomats are now subject to applicable quarantine protocols as prescribed by the DOH,” he added.

On testing and quarantine protocols for passengers coming from, or transiting through, countries where travel restrictions are in place due to new COVID-19 variants, Roque said that these incoming passengers shall be tested upon arrival and shall be quarantined until the result of the subsequent test administered on the fifth day is released.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that as of Thursday (January 21), nine more Filipinos abroad tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This brings the total number of confirmed cases among overseas Filipinos to 13,633.

Three more Filipinos abroad have recovered from the virus, bringing the total tally of recoveries to 8,748.

A total of 3,941 Filipinos in different areas overseas are undergoing treatment, the DFA said.

All new positive cases and recoveries were reported in Asia and the Pacific and Europe. 

Meanwhile, no new fatality was recorded.

The DFA vows it shall continue to keep track of the status of overseas Filipinos, and facilitate repatriations, whenever possible, as the pandemic continues. 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday (January 20) announced the temporary closure of its Consular Office in Tuguegarao (CO Tuguegarao) while the city is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

DFA CO Tuguegarao will be closed from January 20 to 29 pursuant to Executive Order 14 s. 2021.

CO Tuguegarao will resume its regular operations on Monday, February 1.

Affected applicants with confirmed appointments who are unable to avail of consular services due to the suspension of operations must secure another appointment by emailing tuguegarao.rco@dfa.gov.ph with the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Original appointment date and time
• Preferred date and time of new appointment

The preferred new appointment may be on any working day (Monday to Friday) from February 1, 2021 to March 1, 2021 during the CO’s regular operation hours from 9:00AM to 4:00PM.

Applicants who need emergency or urgent consular services may contact CO Tuguegarao by email at tuguegarao.rco@dfa.gov.ph.