The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has lifted the restriction of non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos effective October 21, and likewise allowed the interzonal movement of non-APORs between GCQ and MGCQ areas.
“The interzonal movement of persons not authorized outside of residences (non-APOR) between areas placed under GCQ and MGCQ for any purpose shall be permitted subject to the reasonable regulations imposed by the LGU concerned,” the IATF Resolution No. 79 read.
The new directive added that interzonal movements between MGCQ areas and places which will be declared under New Normal has been allowed.
In the case of Boracay, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reported that the mandatory RT-PCR tests of tourists taken 48 hours prior to arrival has been adjusted to 72 hours.
Regarding the lifting of outbound non-essential travel ban, travelers using tourist visas must submit “confirmed round-trip tickets and adequate travel and health insurance.”
Also required for outbound travels are the execution of BI Declaration on the acknowledgment of travel risks, negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours before departure as pre-boarding requirement, and the compliance to NTF guidelines for returning overseas Filipinos upon return.
“Ito ay applicable sa lahat ng Pilipino… Kasama na rin dito ang mga #LoveIsNotTourism, mga Pilipino na may fiancé at iniibig sa ibang bansa (This is applicable to all Filipinos, including those with fiancés and lovers outside the country),” Roque clarified.
Age adjusted
Roque also announced that the IATF-EID has approved the age adjustment for those who will be allowed to go out to 15 years-old to 65 years-old. Minors and senior citizens were previously prohibited from leaving their homes.
Individuals outside the updated age group and those with comorbidities and other health risks, “including any person who resides” with them remain prohibited to go out.
Roque also announced that the DTI has been authorized to adjust the on-site operational capacity of all business establishments and activities in areas with GCQ classification or lower.
More sports activities permitted
The request of the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) to hold tournaments under the “sports bubble” has been granted by the IATF, subject to strict compliance with health and safety protocols; accommodation establishment finalization; and adherence to JAO No. 2020-0001 of DOH, PSC, and GAB.
The IATF has also given a go signal for the operations of off-track horse race betting in areas with GCQ classification or lower.
“Pero ang sabi ng IATF, bawal ang broadcast at online na sabong, at kailangan po ay may pagpayag ng lokal na pamahalaan. Hindi pwedeng may audience (But the IATF said broadcast and online cockfight remain prohibited, and must have permission of local governments. Audience are still unallowed),” Roque clarified.
– PTV News Online
