PH to impose stricter quarantine for returning Filipinos from India

The Philippine government will implement stringent quarantine measures for returning Filipinos once flights from India resume to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 variant first detected there.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. emphasized that the quarantine period will be especially long and strict to avoid importing the "double mutant" strain.

Filipinos in India have formed chat groups for mutual assistance, direct communication with the Embassy, and virtual community spaces for prayer during the severe outbreak in their host country.

Philippine Ambassador to India Ramon Bagatsing Jr. mentioned that approximately 60 to 70 Filipinos are seeking repatriation and are awaiting the resumption of flights.

The Embassy is exploring options for repatriation, including the resumption of commercial flights, chartering flights, or utilizing Philippine military aircraft.

Around 3,000 Filipinos reside in India, predominantly housewives and professionals in managerial roles.

Currently, at least 73 Filipinos in India have contracted COVID-19, with most cases being mild to moderate.