Philippines issues new testing, quarantine rules for inbound travelers

By Prince Golez

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved new testing and quarantine protocols for arriving international passengers from countries, territories, and jurisdictions not included in the “red” list.

Countries on the red list are considered as “high-risk” for Covid-19. Inbound flights from these areas are prohibited from entering the Philippines.

“For fully vaccinated individuals, they shall be required to have a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin,” acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said in a statement Thursday evening.

Nograles said upon arrival in the Philippines, passengers from “green” or “yellow” list must undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day, with the date of arrival being the first day.

Regardless of a negative result, they are required to undergo home quarantine up to the 14th day from the date of arrival, he added.

“Individuals who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated shall be required a negative RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin,” according to the Cabinet Secretary.

They should also undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test done on the 7th day, with the date of arrival being the first day, and undergo home quarantine up to the 14th day regardless of a negative result.

The IATF has directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure that airlines board only passengers who comply with the negative RT-PCR test-before-travel requirement.

“The testing and quarantine protocols of minors shall follow the testing and quarantine protocol of the parent/guardian traveling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin,” said Nograles.

On one hand, international passengers who have already arrived and are currently undergoing quarantine shall continue with the testing and quarantine protocols in place at the time of their arrival.

Meanwhile, Filipinos from “red” list countries, territories, and jurisdictions allowed entry via government-initiated or non-government repatriations, and Bayanihan Flights should only deplane at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and/or Clark International Airport.

Upon arrival, individuals must comply with the testing and quarantine protocols as prescribed under IATF Resolution No. 149-A (s.2021).

“The DOTr, through their attached agencies, is directed to ensure the compliance of airlines with this directive,” the spokesman said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)