Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 13) — Several areas across the country have implemented travel restrictions amid the threat of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19.
Travel to Bohol island province has been suspended for five days, Governor Arthur Yap announced on Friday.
In an executive order, Yap said domestic and international travel via air and sea to the province will be suspended from March 16 to March 20.
Bohol, which is home to many tourist attractions such as the Chocolate Hills, centuries-old churches, tarsier sanctuaries and Panglao Island, welcomes foreign visitors, most of which are from China, South Korea and continental Europe, the order stated.
To date, there are still no confirmed Covid-19 cases in Bohol.
On the other hand, Oriental Mindoro has volunteered to undergo “community quarantine,” prohibiting entry into the province from March 14 to March 25. Exempted from the restriction are deliveries of goods and commodities, medical doctors based in the province, national government officials and uniformed personnel, returning medical personnel and officials, and others in “extreme cases” related to health, safety, security and commerce.
Residents are also allowed to leave the province, Governor Humerlito Dolor’s executive order stated.
The order comes after its neighboring province Batangas confirmed two cases of COVID-19.
Coron, a tourist hot spot in Palawan, also suspended domestic sea and air travel bound for the municipality, except those for health, food supply and immediate purposes, said Acting Mayor Asian Palanca in an order.
Domestic flights between Coron and Manila, Cebu, Clark and El Nido will be temporarily suspended from March 15 to April 14, while domestic sea travel including foreign vessels entering Coron will also be suspended during this period. Those traveling in and out of the municipality will go through police screening at checkpoints.
Palanca added that all residents are not allowed to go out of Coron except for health and emergency reasons. Moreover, short term guests will be requested to leave within two days while arriving residents or long-term visitors will have to undergo quarantine for 14 days. Social gatherings are also prohibited.
Earlier, Davao City and Cainta in Rizal imposed similar restrictions. President Rodrigo Duterte also placed the entire Metro Manila under quarantine starting March 15 until April 14.
The number of confirmed cases in the country has since risen to 64.
