Malacañang announced the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases through Resolution No. 56 has allowed the entry of foreigners in the country starting August.
The resolution enumerated the following conditions on the matter. They must have/ be :
1. Valid and existing visas at the time of entry. No new entry visa application shall be accepted.
2. Pre-booked accredited quarantine facility
3. Pre-booked COVID-19 testing provider
4. Subject to the maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said strict health protocols will be implemented to ensure the safety of everyone.
“Well, dadaan po sila sa proseso. Kinakailangan, magpa-PCR test sila pagdating nila at habang naghihintay ng resulta sila po ay mag-ii-stay sa quarantine [facility]. At ito naman po ay hindi mga ordinaryong dayuhan lamang. Ito ‘yung mga dayuhan na kinokonsidera na nila na ang kanilang tahanan ay nandito sa Pilipinas, dahil sila ay mga permanent residents (They will undergo processes. They need to go through a PCR test once they arrive and while waiting for results, they have to stay in a quarantine [facility]. They are not ordinary foreigners. They are foreigners who consider the country as their home since they are permanent residents),” Roque explained.
The new resolution also stated the prohibition of spectators for all outdoor non-contact sports and exercises in areas placed under GCQ, and for all indoor and outdoor sports and exercises in MGCQ areas.
The IATF authorized the DTI, DOF, DILG, and DOT “to recategorize certain industries for the resumption of their operations or gradual increase of operating capacity of industries that are now open.”
The DTI was also granted authority to release a “negative list of industries” or to name businesses that are still not allowed to open even in MGCQ areas.
“The holding of cockfighting and operation of cockpits, and beerhouses, nightclubs, and similar establishments shall remain prohibited,” the resolution stated.
– Report from Mela Lesmoras
