By Alec Go
The Philippine government announced Friday (Jan. 14) the updated rules for the travel, quarantine, and testing protocol for all travelers, including those coming from countries under the “red list.”
Based on the announcement of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, all inbound passengers regardless of their vaccination status must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hours before departure.
This was shortened from the previous 72 hours pre-departure test requirement. The negative results under the 72 hours rule are still recognized until Jan. 19.
Fully vaccinated travelers from green-listed countries and territories will no longer be required to undergo facility-based quarantine, while those in the yellow category will undergo facility-based quarantine and be tested on their fifth day.
LOOK: Updated testing and quarantine protocols for travelers coming from Yellow List countries, territories pic.twitter.com/tbwKe2348L
— PTVph (@PTVph) January 14, 2022
Meanwhile, the travel ban imposed on areas under red classification has been eased to allow the entry of international travelers. However, they will have to undergo facility-based quarantine and will have to be tested on their seventh day.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said this will give way to overseas Filipinos from red-listed countries to return to the Philippines even without Bayanihan flights.
However, inbound trips for the purpose of tourism activities have not yet been allowed.
Acting Pres. Spox. Nograles says the negative 72-hour pre-departure RT-PCR test, the country’s previous protocol, shall be honored until Jan. 19, 2022. pic.twitter.com/wG1Pj2rYpQ
— PTVph (@PTVph) January 14, 2022
Starting Feb. 16, foreign nationals allowed to enter the country must show proof of full vaccination, except for those below 18 years old, individuals medically unable to receive a vaccine, and foreign diplomats and their qualified dependents.
Country classification, aviation sector quarantine
The national government has already released the updated classifications of countries and jurisdictions which will take effect on Jan. 16.
Countries and territories not included in the list are under the Yellow List.
— PTVph (@PTVph) January 14, 2022
Meanwhile, the aviation sector’s updated quarantine guidelines also shortened its isolation of fully vaccinated and boosted mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 cases to five days.
Close contacts who are fully vaccinated with boosters or those that have recovered from the disease in the past 90 days will no longer quarantine.
Moreover, amid concerns on the use of COVID-19 facilities, the government also approved the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) recommendation to also use hotel quarantine facilities as isolation facilities. -rir
