PH allows OFWs and foreigners to leave during enhanced quarantine

Hotels also are allowed to accommodate existing bookings.

Filipino migrant workers and foreigners can travel abroad from Luzon during the "enhanced community quarantine" in the area, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Tuesday.

"OFWs and foreign nationals leaving for abroad shall be allowed to leave the Philippines anytime for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, provided that proof of international travel itinerary scheduled within 24 hours must be presented," Nograles said in a press briefing

He said there are conditions for the policy.

Only one person is allowed to accompany a traveler bound for abroad, Nograles said.

Filipino migrant workers also should be ferried to their respective airports and seaports by transport vehicles provided by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), he added.

Meanwhile, non-essential travel from any port of Luzon is suspended. Outbound movement to countries where travel restrictions are imposed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, is also prohibited during the quarantine.

Hotels, hostels and similar establishments meanwhile are not allowed to operate during the quarantine, except those accomodating existing bookings as of Tuesday, March 17.

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"No new booking accomodations shall be permitted," Nograles said. "Hotel operations shall be limited to the provision of basic lodging to guests."

Outbound passengers were previously given until March 19 to leave the Philippines after Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine by President Rodrigo Duterte, in efforts to contain and stop the spread of COVID-19, which has infected more than 180 people in the country, and killed 14 people as of Tuesday.