13 Mar 2020 Geneva, Switzerland - Swiss authorities have maintained that the conditions in Switzerland as regards COVID-19 is a special situation under the Swiss Epidemics Act. There are over eight hundred (800) confirmed cases of COVID-19 within Swiss borders.
In addition to the unprecedented measures taken by the Federal Government of canceling large-scale events of more than 1,000 persons to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Canton of Geneva has also imposed a ban on gatherings of more than a hundred (100) persons. Several meetings and conferences in Geneva have been postponed to a later date, or cancelled altogether, as a result of these precautionary measures. The federal health office says, Swiss-wide emergency measures are likely to be declared.
For the Philippines, the Government has issued a Community Quarantine over Metro Manila. The Philippine Mission to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva and the Philippine Consulate General, Geneva await the details of the measure, and will communicate relevant information to the Filipino community of Geneva and Vaud in due course. In the meantime, we are able to share the following:
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“Community quarantine” of Metro Manila - The measure will begin at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, March 15 until Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in an effort to slow down, and contain, the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Community quarantine is consistent with social-distancing practices recommended by public health officials in the management and containment of COVID19. - During this period, travel in and out of Metro Manila will be restricted to control the spread of the disease. Classes in all levels and work in the executive branch are suspended, though essential services will remain in place. The private sector is encouraged to adopt similar social-distancing measures, including work-from-home schemes. The public is barred from holding mass gatherings during this period. - Land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila is suspended during this period, subject to review. - Entry restrictions may apply to holders of foreign passports, travelling from countries where local transmission of COVID-19 has been confirmed. Exemptions will apply to accompanying foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals who are traveling using their Philippine passports, holders of Philippine permanent resident visas, and holders of diplomatic visas issued by the Philippine government. Foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals who are not arriving with the principals may be denied entry. - We remind travelers that holding a Philippine visa is not a guarantee of entry. As with all Governments, the visa is an endorsement denoting that the application has been examined and that the bearer may be permitted entry. The final decision to admit a foreign national into the Philippines is a function of the Immigration authorities at the port of entry. Given the situation of Community Quarantine, unnecessary travel to Manila during this period is not advised. - The Ninoy Aquino International Airport which serves the capital, Manila, will remain open for international flights. However, travelers arriving through this port of entry will be restricted to Metro Manila. Travelers who intend to go to places outside of Metro Manila are encouraged to arrive via alternate international airports. Please call your airline to verify. |
The Philippine Mission to the UN and other International Organizations in Geneva and the Philippine Consulate General, Geneva ask the Filipino communities in Geneva and Vaud to follow the guidance and advice given by national and local public health authorities on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. We urge the Community to:
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Protect yourself and Others Practice social distancing measures. If you are unwell, stay home! Call your health care professional, the COVID Hotline (+41(0) 58 463 0000, or Medical Emergency Switzerland 114. The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever tiredness, and dry cough. According to the WHO “anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever (37.3 C or more) needs to stay at home.” Our personnel and our clientele include persons who have an elevated vulnerability to COVID-19, meaning they are above 60 years of age, or have underlying health conditions. Exposure to the virus can have serious consequences. In line with guidance from public health authorities, clients who visit the Consulate while exhibiting symptoms consistent with COVID-19 will be asked to go into temporary isolation within the premises, while the response from Medical Emergency Services are awaited. As a further consequence of possible infection, all services will be suspended for at least five (5) days while personnel of the Consulate General go into self-isolation; and, premises are disinfected. Such a situation would put undue strain on our ability to provide public service. To enable us to maintain services for all, we urgently appeal to members of the community to be mindful and responsible for themselves and for others. For urgently needed consular cases, please call us at 022-716-1930, 022-9001395 or 079-1369114, send us an email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or reach out to us through our FB page (Philippine Mission to the United Nations and Consulate General in Geneva) |
We will continue to update the community on developments. Protocols to reduce exposure for clients and consular staff are being considered. We assure the community that assistance, to the extent possible, will be provided by the Philippine government to nationals in need. END