MANILA – The government has ordered a suspension of all flights from the United Kingdom to the Philippines following concerns on the new SARS-CoV-2 variant that has been spreading in Britain.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the suspension started at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 24, 2020 and will last until Dec. 31, 2020.
“All passengers who have been in the UK within fourteen (14) days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines, including those merely in transit, are also temporarily restricted from entering the country for the same period,” Roque said.
“On the other hand, passengers already in transit from the UK and all those who have been to the UK within 14 days immediately preceding arrival to the Philippines, who arrive before 12:01 a.m. of Dec. 24, 2020, shall not be subject to entry restriction but they would be required to undergo stricter quarantine and testing protocols,” he added.
The said protocols include the observation of an absolute 14-day quarantine period at the Athlete’s Village in New Clark City and securing a negative RT-PCT test result.
“Outbound travel to the UK shall likewise be subject to the existing exit protocols of the Philippines and the UK,” Roque said, urging Filipinos in the UK to postpone their travel plans.
A growing number of countries, especially in Europe, are blocking flights from the UK following reports that the new strain could be up to 70 percent more infectious.
Much is unknown about the strain, but experts said current vaccines should still be effective against it.
Asian nations including Japan and South Korea said they were monitoring the new strain even as they battle a spike in infections at home./PN
