IATF OKs shortened period of quarantine for fully vaxxed health workers

Healthcare workers in Ilocos Sur get swab samples to test individuals for COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of Vigan city government)

MANILA, Philippines — The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases approved a shortened period of the quarantine protocols for fully vaccinated health workers and the home quarantine for select COVID-19 cases.

Acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Thursday shared the developments during President Rodrigo Duterte’s Talk to the People.

“So, dito sa mga hospitals, sa infection, prevention, and control committees po nila (The infection, prevention, and control committees of hospitals), they will be authorized to implement shortened quarantine protocols of five days for fully vaccinated healthcare workers,” he said.

“And then in extreme circumstances, ‘yung mga (our) fully vaccinated healthcare workers din po natin na (who are) under isolation—in extreme circumstances and weighing the risks and benefits—pwede rin pong ma-shorten ang kanilang isolation protocols (their isolation protocols could be shortened),” Nograles added.

The Palace official likewise said that COVID-19 patients who are asymptomatic or have mild to moderate cases may be permitted to undergo quarantine at home, provided that it is conducive.

“‘Yung (The) home isolation ng mga (of) COVID-19 confirmed individuals na (with) asymptomatic, mild, or moderate disease, and home quarantine for close contacts of suspect, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 cases shall be allowed kung conducive ‘yung isolation (if the isolation area is conducive),” Nograles said.

He noted that the Department of Health will be crafting specific protocols on the implementation of the approved resolution.

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