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| Officials wearing traditional guard uniforms and protective face masks at the Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, Feb. 29. AP |
By Jung Min-ho
The Philippines is lifting a travel ban to Korea, only a week after imposing it over coronavirus concerns.
According to Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday, Philippines citizens are now allowed to visit Korea, except for North Gyeongsang Province, including Daegu ― the hardest hit areas.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Inter-agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases approved the resumption of Filipinos' travel to Korea. Authorities earlier banned all travel to the country, except for those who live, study or work there.
"Our ministry has asked the Philippine government to revoke the previous decision through various channels, explaining our superb medical and disease control capabilities in response to COVID-19," the ministry said.
Korea has so far recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases outside mainland China, with more than 5,300 infected patients and 32 deaths.
Korea's health ministry said there have been no confirmed COVID-19 infections in Filipinos in Korea.
