CHINA’S civil aviation regulator yesterday ordered the suspension of China Eastern Airlines’ flight from Manila to Shanghai, after the carrier had already voluntarily halted the route.

Flight MU212 will be suspended for a week, starting from September 28, after eight travelers on a single flight from the Philippines tested positive for COVID-19 on September 9, the Civil Aviation Administration of China said. The infected passengers were quarantined upon arrival at the Pudong airport.

The Shanghai-based carrier had earlier announced voluntary suspension of the flight on September 18.

The airline said the flight will be halted until it can make sure to contain risks related to virus transmission.

“China Eastern will closely monitor the situation and cautiously evaluate the risks to its flights that might carry COVID-19 cases,” the airline said.

The China Eastern flight has been halted twice by the CAAC since August.

The flight was suspended on August 17 after six passengers tested positive upon arrival at the Pudong airport on an August 5 flight. The suspension was extended after nine tested positive on another flight on August 12.