Airlines’ full, immediate temporary travel ban imposition ordered

Arcilla’s order came amid government’s efforts to prevent the possible outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the Philippines. (File photo by Cristina Arayata)

MANILA – The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on Sunday ordered all airlines to ensure the “full and immediate” implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s travel ban on all travelers to and from mainland China and its special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macao.

“In line with the directive of the President today, February 02, 2020, all airlines operating to and from the Philippines are hereby required to fully and immediately comply with the (President’s) orders,” CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said in a press statement.

Arcilla’s order came amid government’s efforts to prevent the possible outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the Philippines.

The 2019-nCoV, which originates in Wuhan, China, has already spread to other countries, including the Philippines.

The World Health Organization has already declared the new coronavirus epidemic as a global health emergency.

Earlier Sunday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo announced that the President has ordered a temporary travel ban on tourists coming from China, Hong Kong, and Macao in a bid to ensure Filipinos’ safety from the deadly virus.

Duterte has also disallowed Filipinos’ travel to mainland China and its two special administrative regions.

The President’s latest directive exempts Filipino citizens and holders of permanent resident visas issued by the Philippines.

Arcilla reminded all airlines that the President is imposing a mandatory 14-day quarantine for exempted travelers who will arrive in the Philippines.

“In accordance with the Presidential directive, a mandatory 14-day quarantine for Filipinos and Permanent Resident Visa holders coming from any place in China and its Special Administrative Regions shall be imposed,” he said.

“Guidance and orders from other concerned agencies shall likewise be strictly observed and complied with,” Arcilla added.

He said all airlines should inform the CAB of any action or modification that they will made in relation to the implementation of the President’s directive.

Arcilla said the Air Carriers’ Association of the Philippines and the Board of Airline Representatives are tasked to assist member airlines to make sure that the temporary travel ban would be effectively enforced.

Earlier, budget carriers Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines announced the cancellation of flights to mainland China until March due to nCoV.

Cebu Pacific also reduced its operations to Hong Kong and Macau while AirAsia cancelled flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Macao.

Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines also earlier announced flights between Manila and China would be reduced to over 50 percent beginning February 1.

Two Chinese nationals from Wuhan, China – a 38-year-old Chinese woman and her companion, a 44-year old Chinese man – are the first two patients in the Philippines that have been confirmed to have been infected with 2019-nCoV.

The Chinese man died on Saturday, while the female patient is still being treated at San Lazaro Hospital in Sta. Cruz, Manila.