The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday (July 7) said local governments can still require tourists to undergo RT-PCR testing before allowing their entry.
The clarification was issued following some concerns on the new interzonal travel policy that allows fully vaccinated individuals to use their vaccination cards as alternative to testing.
“While the IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force] has said that vax cards may be used in lieu of the testing requirements, as we iron out operational concerns, IATF Reso 101 remains in effect. This means that the LGU [local government unit] can still require testing as a requirement to entry,” The DOH said in a statement.
IATF Resolution 101 allows LGUs to require testing for individuals seeking entry into their jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, the DOH reminded LGUs to tighten symptom and exposure screening to all tourists.
The government urged the public, including those that have been vaccinated against COVID-19, to continue observing public health standards to prevent transmission and possibility of spreading the viral variants. – Report from Mark Fetalco/AG-rir
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