The Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) decision to shorten the hotel quarantine period for fully vaccinated returning overseas Filipinos, including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and balikbayans from yellow countries, from five days to just three days starting November 22.
Puyat confirmed that fully vaccinated balikbayans from yellow countries with pre-departure testing within 72 hours, shall be required to undergo a three-day facility-based quarantine with testing on the 3rd day but are enjoined to complete self-monitoring up to the 14th day from arrival.
However, those without pre-departure testing will be subjected to a facility-based quarantine until the release of the RT-PCR test results taken on the 5th day. With a negative result, the individual will be released for home quarantine until the 10th day.
Unvaccinated visitors shall undergo facility-based quarantine with testing on the seventh day, to be followed by home quarantine up to 14th day upon the release of a negative test result.
“This latest development will greatly contribute to the on-going recovery of the tourism sector this holiday season while also providing more time to those who want to return home to be with their loved ones in the Philippines,” added Puyat. (DOT) -rir
