Fully vaxxed travelers to PH will no longer undergo facility-based quarantine – gov’t

FILE PHOTO: Airplane. EPA-EFE via The Straits Times/Asia News Network

MANILA, Philippines — Starting October 14, facility-based quarantine will no longer be required for fully vaccinated inbound Filipino and foreign travelers from “green lanes” as long as they present their negative COVID-19 test, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced Wednesday.

According to Roque, who also serves as the spokesperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of arriving travelers should be taken within 72 hours before leaving the country of origin.

“Upon arrival, no facility-based quarantine will be required but the passenger is enjoined to self-monitor for any symptoms until the 14th day,” he said in a statement.

Roque, however, said fully vaccinated Filipino travelers still have the option to avail facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test which would be taken in the quarantine facility upon their arrival.

On the other hand, the Palace official said, unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose inoculation status cannot be independently verified, as well as immunized individuals who fail to comply with the test-before-travel requirements, should undergo a facility-based quarantine until their RT-PCR test, taken on the fifth day of their quarantine, yields a negative result.

As for foreign nationals, they should secure hotel reservations for at least six days for their quarantine, Roque also said.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated or partially inoculated minors traveling with their fully immunized parents or guardians “shall be required to observe the quarantine protocols corresponding to their vaccination status.” The child will be accompanied by his/her parent or guardian.

For validation of vaccination status, travelers may present either their VaxCertPH digital certificate, Bureau of Quarantine- or World Health Organization-issued international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis, or the national digital certificate of the foreign government where they were vaccinated.

KGA