1,297 COVID Cases Logged as Philippines Reopens to Foreign Tourists

The Philippines on Friday logged 1,297 new COVID-19 cases as it prepared to welcome foreign tourists for the first time in almost two years.

The day's tally brought active cases to 23,200. There were 1,393 new recoveries and 277 new deaths, the Department of Health said.

Overall, a total of 2,823,210 COVID-19 cases have been reported since the pandemic began in March 2020, of which 2,753,312 have recovered and 46,698 died.

The Philippines is rolling out the alert-based quarantine system nationwide in phases. Under this five-step system, larger areas of jurisdiction can opt to implement granular lockdowns in high-risk areas only.

Fully vaccinated foreigners will soon be allowed to travel to the Philippines subject to guidelines and health protocols.

"Tourists shall be allowed entry in the country subject to guidelines as may be finalized and approved by the IATF basta mula sa Green List," Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles told reporters on Friday.

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