MANILA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines has lifted the 72-hour window for outbound flight, allowing foreigners to travel abroad from Luzon during the "enhanced community quarantine" in the area.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles told a press conference late Tuesday that foreigners can travel abroad from Luzon during the "enhanced community quarantine" period, which was imposed to fight the rapid rise of COVID-19.
Foreign nationals leaving for abroad shall be allowed to leave the Philippines anytime for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine, Nograles said.
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 a drastic bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Philippines now has 187 COVID-19 cases, including 14 deaths. Four patients have recovered from the viral disease.
Travel restrictions are being strictly imposed, preventing people, especially those living outside of Metro Manila, from commuting to their offices in the capital. Only a few essential establishments are open, including supermarkets and pharmacies during the 30-day lockdown.
