Philippines Tightens Borders to Fight the Delta Variant
In a bid to keep the Delta variant from infiltrating the archipelago, the Philippines is putting a nose‑pinch on travelers coming from Malaysia and Thailand, while beefing up restrictions in the heart of the nation. Starting this Sunday and running through the rest of July, the move aims to stop the virus from spreading further.
What the Bolsters Mean
- No entry for travelers from Malaysia and Thailand.
- Capital region and four nearby provinces under stricter lockdown until July 31.
- Indoor sports, conferences, tourist spots, and gyms shut down for now.
- Indoor dining and al fresco venues reduced capacity to keep crowds light.
- Children aged 5–17 will stay home—no school runs or playgrounds for now.
President Rodrigo Duterte has already banished travelers from eight other nations, including Indonesia and India, to curb community spread. Harry Roque, the presidential spokesperson, reiterated that these measures “prevent further transmission and community spread of Covid‑19 variants in the Philippines.”
Current Numbers
- Delta cases: 47 (8 active, 3 deaths)
- Total infections: 1.53 million
- Casualties: nearly 27,000
- Second‑highest in Southeast Asia, only behind Indonesia.
With these tighter traps in place, hope is high that the city’s big walk‑in crowd will have to move a bit slower. Stay tuned—stay safe!
