Ilocos Norte to drop COVID-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated tourists

The site of the Bangui windmills is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ilocos Norte province. (Photo courtesy of Ilocos Norte provincial government)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte—Fully vaccinated tourists coming from COVID-19 Alert Levels 1 to 3 would no longer be asked to present any negative COVID-19 tests to visit the province beginning Dec. 1, the Ilocos Norte tourism office announced on Thursday, Nov. 18.

It said that the move was meant to make travelling to the province easier in time for the peak holiday season in December.

Only tourists who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and coming from Alert Level 4 would be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result.

They also have the option to present a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to travel to the province, or a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours or upon arrival at the borders,, the tourism office said.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc said that they had been planning to drop the testing requirements for tourists in order to allow the full resumption of the tourism industry.

JPV

For more news about the novel coronavirus click here.
What you need to know about Coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare frontliners and is still accepting cash donations to be deposited at Banco de Oro (BDO) current account #007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link.