Manila announces South Korea travel restrictions

Philippine officials on Wednesday announced a temporary travel ban to South Korea but exempted Filipinos who are going there for study or work or are permanent residents, due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

Those who are exempted from the travel ban must sign a declaration of their knowledge of the risks involved prior to travel to South Korea.

Travellers from the South Korean province of North Gyeongsang will be barred entry into the Philippines effective immediately, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a news conference.

A task force was undertaking a risk assessment to determine whether the Philippines should bar the entry of travelers from other parts of South Korea, officials said.

The Philippines has registered three cases of the COVID-19 and one death.