On Wednesday, February 5th, President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., upon recommendations from the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Committee (NEC), imposed new travel restrictions by signing Executive Order 435 as an addendum to Executive Order 433.
The new travel restrictions prohibit entry of all travelers with travel history originating from or transiting through mainland China, Macau or Hong Kong within the last 14 days.
“Based on the growing threat of the 2019-nCoV outbreak, the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Committee have recommended additional preventive measures to be implemented in addition to the existing mandates prescribed by EO 433.”
Palau continues to coordinate with partner agencies and countries where flights originate to ensure thorough screening before boarding passengers to Palau.
Ministry of Health is also conducting screening at the airport of all passengers arriving in Palau. They issued a request to all Palauan travelers coming home to please follow the process and undergo screening as all other passengers. “Virus does not discriminate and it is important that all passengers including locals be screened upon arrival,” expressed Mr. GaafarUherbelau from the Ministry of Health.
Ministry of Health and NEC say they continue to monitor the daily progress of the virus with CDC and WHO and partner countries and continue to provide information to the public. (L.N. Reklai)