Philippines, Vietnam bans tourists from virus-hit parts of South Korea

Jung Yeon-je / AFP

The Philippines and Vietnam on Wednesday banned tourists from coronavirus-hit parts of South Korea.

During a media briefing, Philippine presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said a risk assessment will be conducted within 48 hours to determine if the travel ban needs to be expanded to other parts of South Korea.

Meanwhile, Vietnam announced exceptions to some travellers who will need to be quarantined for 14 days after entering the country.

The move comes after the number of coronavirus cases in South Korea rose above 1,100, with officials adding that the numbers are expected to rise as the government widens its testing.

The Philippines has confirmed three cases of the coronavirus, while Vietnam announced the full recovery of all 16 cases so far reported. 

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