Philippines: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions on June 16 /update 23

Event

On Tuesday, June 16, Philippine authorities extended certain restrictions to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The General Community Quarantine (GCQ) for Metro Manila was extended to Tuesday, June 30, and the GCQ for Cebu City was upgraded to an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). The ECQ restricts all movement except for essential purposes, and the majority of workplaces are closed. Under a GCQ, more businesses are permitted to open, and public transport is operational. A full list of guidelines for ECQ and GCQ can be found here. A full list of areas under and ECQ and GCQ can be found here.

Individuals must wear face masks and observe social distancing while using public transport nationwide. Checkpoints will be in place and airports will remain closed for both domestic and international flights.

As of Monday, June 15, authorities have confirmed 26,420 cases of COVID-19 in the country and 1098 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.