Philippines lifts travel ban even as virus cases jump

The Philippines is lifting the ban on non-essential travel and allow hair treatment in salons even as infections rose by a quarter in the past week. The task force on coronavirus has allowed Filipinos to resume non-essential travel to countries that will allow their entry, as long as they have round-trip tickets, visas and health insurances, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Tuesday. Departing passengers will also be required to sign declaration forms acknowledging they are aware of risks of traveling, and to undergo quarantine upon their return. The Philippines has 46,333 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Monday, including 1,303 deaths. It has the second-highest number of infections in Southeast Asia after Indonesia, and has the fastest rise in cases since June 1 when the capital region reopened. The Philippines is set to reopen a terminal in its Manila airport on Wednesday, allowing eight airlines including Cathay Pacific and Emirates Airline to operate. <br/>