Melo Villareal
PH Lifts Travel Ban Against Taiwan
Manila, Philippines — Good news to those who are planning to head to Taiwan soon. The Philippines has lifted the travel ban that was imposed a week ago against Taiwan.
The said travel restriction versus Taiwan was because of the spread of the COVID-19, the updated name given by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the disease that was caused by the novel coronavirus that stemmed in China in late 2019.
Salvador Panelo, the Presidential spokesperson, announced the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF) to lift the travel restrictions imposed on the said country due to the COVID-19. It is effective immediately.
“Accordingly, travel may now be made by any national to Taiwan from the Philippines and vice versa,” said the statement of Panelo, via Inquirer.
Panelo further said that the lifting of the travel ban for the said country has been agreed by the IATF members “by the reason of the strict measures they are undertaking,” along with the protocols being implemented to address the said killer disease.
It can be remembered that last Feb. 2, the Philippines banned all flights to and from China along with its two administrative regions, Macau and Hong Kong to mitigate the spread of the new virus. Last Feb. 4, the Department of Health also added Taiwan on the list.
However, Taiwan said it was wrong to include the country. Further, it warned of possible countermeasures. Among the reactive measures being considered by Taiwan, according to the chair of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), Angelito Banayo, is the lifting of visa-free entry privilege to Taiwan for Filipinos.
Taiwan further said that the Philippines was “misled” by the World Health Organization to consider the country as part of China.
Francisco Duque, the DOH Secretary, said that the decision of the government to lift the travel ban against Taiwan is not related to the possible action of Taiwan to lift the visa-free privilege, adding that it is purely on public safety and public health.
So, what can you say about this news?
Searching for the best Taiwan hotels and discounted flights? Check out our ultimate list of affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
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Also read:
- DOT Urges To Take Necessary Measures Vs. 2019-NCoV Novel Coronavirus
- Sagada Temporarily Closes Door On Tourists Amid Covid-19
