US embassy cancels visa appointments due to COVID-19

US embassy cancels visa appointments due to COVID-19

US embassy cancels visa appointments

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The US Embassy in Manila announced Monday that it had suspended processing of visa appointments in the wake of rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 in the Philippines.

“As of Monday, March 16, the United States Embassy in Manila is canceling routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time,” the embassy said on its website.

Paid visa fees will remain valid and will be available on the visa application within one year of their payment.

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US embassy cancels visa appointments due to COVID-19

As of today, March 16, the Philippines has 142 cases of COVID-19 with 12 fatalities.

Also read: Guide to Luzon COVID-19 Enhanced Community Quarantine

Among the two new cases in the country is Senator Migz Zubiri.

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The senator announced Monday night that he tested positive of COVID-19 on his Facebook account.

“To my dear fellow Filipinos, my Kababayans. It is with sadness that i announce that I am positive for Covid 19. I had a test taken last Friday while on self quarantine and this afternoon i received a call from Sec. Duque on my condition. My heart sank with what he had said but Im uplifted with the fact that i am asymptomatic and have no fever or cough nor am i weak or have any headaches,” Zubiri said.

The senator voluntarily submitted himself to self-quarantine last Wednesday.

“My decision to self quarantine last Wednesday evening after session was the best decision i made and could have protected my Family from contamination,” he said.

Zubiri also said he has no idea how acquired the virus as he cautiously practices precautions to fight COVID-19.

“As one of those very early on in the Senate who espoused and advocated for stronger Government response on controlling Covid 19, i was very careful in my dealings with people at work in the Senate. I practiced social distancing as well as a no handshake policy but yet i got contaminated. How, i do not know. This just goes to show how easily this virus is spread and therefore it is best for everyone to stay home and stay clean,” he added.