PH to accept fully vaxxed returning Filipinos, foreigners starting Feb.
Fully vaccinated returning Filipinos and foreigners from countries with visa-free entry may enter the Philippines starting next month.
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In a press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Sec. Karlo Nograles said the new protocols on the entry, testing, and quarantine for fully vaccinated returning overseas Filipinos, regardless of their country of origin, will take effect starting Feb. 1 and Feb. 10 for fully vaccinated foreigners.
Under the new protocols, they would no longer be required to observe mandatory quarantine but should self-monitor for any sign or symptom for seven days with the first day being the date of arrival. However, they must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours before their departure from abroad.
International travelers must present proofs of COVID-19 vaccination such as World Health Organization International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis; VaxCertPH; or national/state digital certificate of the foreign government which has accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement unless otherwise permitted by the Inter-Agency Task Force.
The country has also lifted its “green,” “yellow,” and “red” COVID-19 risk classifications for countries, territories, and jurisdiction due to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in the meantime.
According to IATF Resolution No. 159, the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, they shall be required to present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48hrs prior to departure from the country of origin. Additionally, they shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day. After which, they shall be required to undergo home quarantine until their 14th day, with the date of arrival being the first day. The local government units of destination and their respective Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams are tasked to monitor those arriving passengers undergoing home quarantine.
As for children below 12 years of age who can’t be vaccinated, they will follow the quarantine protocol applied to the parent or guardian accompanying them.
Source: IATF
