* Only foreigners with existing visas allowed to enter
* Foreigners to undergo quarantine upon arrival
* Philippines ranks second in SEAsia in COVID-19 cases,
deaths
(Adds details from spokesman, background)
MANILA, July 17 (Reuters) - The Philippines will allow the
entry of foreign nationals with long-term visas into the country
from August 1, the presidential spokesman said on Friday, as the
country gradually relaxes some coronavirus restrictions in a bid
to support the economy.
Foreigners with valid and existing visas would need to
undergo quarantine upon arrival, said Harry Roque, spokesman for
President Rodrigo Duterte.
Long-term visa holders refer to foreigners living and
working in the country, Roque told Reuters.
Applications for new entry visas will not be accepted and
returning Filipinos will have priority on inbound flights given
existing caps on airport capacity, the task force said.
The Bureau of Immigration banned the entry of foreigners
into the country in March to contain the spread of the new
coronavirus. Only Filipinos as well as foreign diplomats were
allowed to enter.
The Philippines has reported 61,266 cases of the virus and
1,643 related deaths. It ranks second in Southeast Asia behind
Indonesia in terms of the number of infections and deaths.