By Alec Go
The government has allowed the entry of international arriving Filipino passengers who have recently recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive in their pre-departure RT-PCR test.
The new guideline under Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 158 was announced by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles in his briefing on Friday (Jan. 21).
The entry of the newly recovered patients who still test positive are subject to the following conditions:
The RT-PCR result is taken 48 hours before the date and time of departure from the country of origin
- A medical certificate from a licensed physician, stating that the traveler has completed the mandatory isolation period and is no longer infectious, and has been allowed free movement or travel
- A positive RT-PCR result taken not earlier than 10 days but no later than 30 days before departure
- Undergo facility-based quarantine based on the classification of their country of origin and vaccination status. Those from Green-listed countries will follow the prescribed period for Yellow countries.
Acting Pres. Spox. Nograles says the “Resbakuna sa Botika” event was successfully rolled out on Jan. 20, thanks pharmacies and clinics who participated in the campaign.
— PTVph (@PTVph) January 21, 2022
“Kung fully vaccinated at galing sa green list countries, territories or jurisdiction kailangan nilang mag-facility based quarantine prescribed for yellow list countries territories or jurisdiction for fully vaccinated arriving passengers,” Nograles said.
There are currently 32 areas under Green category and 14 under Red category based on IATF Resolution No. 157-B dated January 13, 2022. -rir