By Alec Go
The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 said the eased restrictions for inbound passengers from green and yellow countries may continue beyond the holiday season if the COVID-19 situation continues to improve.
In the Saturday (Nov. 20) Laging Handa briefing, NTF Spokesperson Restituto Padilla Jr. said the new guidelines will take effect on Nov. 22, 2021.
“Harinawa na mag-improve pa ang ating COVID situation at magbibigay daan ito sa patuloy na paglukuwag,” Padilla said, while noting that the policy is based on local data and from countries with improving situation.
“Maari itong magpatuloy beyond Christmas holidays hanggang sa Bagong Taon kung ang ating mga datos ay bababa pa rin sa bilang ng mga COVID cases,” Padilla added.
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) recently approved recommendations to ease the facility-based quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated individuals from green countries.
Read more: IATF issues new testing, quarantine rules for inbound travelers
However, the updated eased protocol for fully vaccinated individuals does not cover travelers from countries under red list, except Filipinos returning through repatriation.
Meanwhile, the official said further loosening of COVID-19 restrictions for local activities may take place if the COVID-19 situation continues to improve, together with healthcare utilization.
He also advised the public to keep bringing their face shields after private establishments were given the discretion on whether or not to require the equipment in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3.
“Mas mainam na tayo ay cautious sa lahat ng bagay… Kung sakaling ipapagamit, isuot niyo. Kung hindi naman at nandoon kayo sa maayos na lugar, pwede niyong hawakan na lang or ilagay sa isang lalagyan,” he said. –rir
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