Antigen test kits provide faster results than the RT-PCR tests, considered the gold standard in COVID-19 testing. (File photo by NIñO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines can now use COVID-19 antigen testing as an entry requirement for travelers, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.
The government’s pandemic policy-making body, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), approved its use, according to a statement by acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar.
“The IATF on Wednesday night allowed the use of rapid antigen tests for entry requirements in the Philippines as long as they are administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishments from the country of origin of the traveler,” Andanar said.
Previously, only RT-PCR testing was accepted as an entry requirement for those entering the Philippines.
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