QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- Malacañang has announced the extension of travel restrictions to travelers from from India and six other countries until July 15 to prevent the possible entry of the Delta COVID-19 variant.
The extended travel ban covers India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said in a virtual presser.
"This is a proactive measure amid the implementation of international border control because of COVID-19 Delta variant,” Roque said.
He, however, clarified that outbound passengers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are still allowed to go to India and six other countries where the travel ban was extended.
“There are OFWs who will also go to some places there. They are not prohibited but they should be careful,” he said.
He, meanwhile, asked for understanding from everyone from the countries affected by the travel restriction, saying the move is meant to protect the Philippines from further contracting the Delta variant.
Currently, there are 17 active Delta cases reported involving returning Filipino travelers. (PIA-NCR/ with reports from OJT Janna Pineda)