Philippines COVID-19 task force lifts overseas travel ban for citizens

FILE PHOTO: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impact on tourism in Manila

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' coronavirus task force has lifted a ban on overseas travel for Filipino tourists, the presidential office said on Friday.

Non-essential overseas travel could resume starting October 21, ending a restriction in effect since July and potentially increasing customers for Philippine carriers that have suffered amid the pandemic.

(Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Editing by Ed Davies)