Philippine consulate in Dubai closes for 2 days after possible COVID exposure

DUBAI — The Philippine Consulate General here was temporarily closed for two days beginning on Sunday, Jan. 17 to “undergo extensive sanitation procedures after possible exposure to COVID-19.”

In an advisory on Sunday, the consulate said that the office will be thoroughly disinfected, and urged all clients who availed of consular services that day to get tested “as soon as practicable.”

It was not immediately made clear whether any of the PCG staff has tested positive or exhibited symptoms to prompt the shutdown.

The UAE, late last month, confirmed the detection of the UK variant of the virus, which has a faster reproduction rate, in the country.

Last week, the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) said a Filipino who flew in from Dubai on Jan. 7 tested positive for the new variant.

This has resulted in the Philippines' adding the UAE to the list of countries on its travel restrictions list over the variant.

Approved by the Office of the President, the entry ban on foreigners from the UAE will be implemented from January 17 to 31, said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque. Foreigners who arrive before January 17 will be required to undergo a facility-based 14-day quarantine, even if they obtain a negative RT-PCR test result.

Filipinos will be allowed to enter the Philippines as long as they undergo screening for COVID-19 and a 14-day facility-based quarantine.

The Philippine Embassy in the UAE, based in Abu Dhabi, also said in an advisory on Saturday that "the entry of Filipino balikbayans or former Filipinos as well as non-Filipino spouse and non-Filipino children of Filipino citizens, will be restricted along with other non-Filipino travelers from the UAE."

It likewise stated that Filipino minors must be accompanied by their Filipino parents when traveling to the Philippines. “Unaccompanied Filipino minors may only be allowed boarding if they are being repatriated by the Philippine government,” the advisory said.

The embassy said the advisory will remain in place till further announcements are made on Jan. 31, 2021. — BM, GMA News