Gov’t requires all inbound passengers to get tested on 5th day of quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — All inbound passengers, regardless of country of origin, must undergo facility-based quarantine upon arrival, then take a RT-PCR Covid-19 swab test on the fifth day of their quarantine, Malacañang said Wednesday.

This will take effect starting Feb. 1, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement.

Previously, passengers were required to take a swab test upon their arrival in the country. Only those coming from countries covered in travel restrictions due to the new Covid-19 variant were required to undergo another swab test on their fifth day of their arrival.

“Once a passenger tested negative, the passenger shall be endorsed to the local government unit of destination where the passenger shall continue the remainder of the fourteen-day quarantine under the strict monitoring of the LGU,” Roque said.

In a separate statement, the Department of Health (DOH) clarified that all inbound passengers will no longer be required to take a swab test upon arrival, but only on the fifth day of their quarantine.

The government has imposed a travel ban on foreigners from over 20 countries due to the Covid-19 variant which is believed to be up to 70% more infectious.

Only Filipinos will be allowed entry subject to the quarantine and testing protocols.