On Friday (July 17), the presidential spokesman has confirmed that the Government of Philippines will allow foreign citizens holding long term visas to enter into the country starting from August 1, 2020, as some COVID-19 restrictions are gradually easing by the country in a bid to resume the economic activities and to thrive the economy as well

Long term visa holders refer to foreigners working and living in the country. Mr. Harry Roque, spokesman for President Rodrigo Duterte, has further informed that foreign nationals with existing and valid visas need to be isolated upon arrival.

The working group said that noting the existing maximum capacity at the airport, new entry visa applications will not be accepted and returning Filipinos will have priority on inbound flights.

The Bureau of Immigration (BOI) in Philippines had temporary banned foreign nationals from entering into the country since March, to curb the importation and spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Only Filipinos and foreign diplomats were allowed to enter.

After nearly three months of being suspended, domestic commercial flights are also resuming their operations between areas where the strict lockdown and home quarantine measures are being eased.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the part of Manila, the capital city, would be go back into COVID-19 lockdown due to surged in the number of new cases in the country. As per the order, residents will be allowed to go to work. Shops and businesses can remain open but outdoor sports will be prohibited.

In regards to COVID-19 transmission in Philippines, the country has reported a total number of 63,001 confirmed cases which are under treatment and 1,660 patients have lost their lives due to virus. However, 21,748 patients who tested positive to COVID-19 have completely recovered from the virus, as of Saturday (July 18).

In terms of the number of infections and deaths, Philippines ranks second in Southeast Asia countries, after Indonesia.