IATF approves COVID-19 vax certificates of 5 other states
The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) will now be accepting the national COVID-19 vaccination certificates of Slovenia, Bahrain, Qatar, Switzerland, and Hong Kong SAR, said the Presidential Palace on Friday.
New entry, testing, and quarantine protocols were also provided for those flying into the country, said Acting Presidential Spokesman and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B. Nograles in an online news briefing, noting that these will take effect on Feb. 10.
Beginning next Thursday, fully vaccinated Filipino nationals may enter the Philippines without undergoing mandatory facility-based quarantine upon their arrival. They only need to self-monitor for any signs of symptoms for seven days.
For those who are not fully vaccinated, facility-based quarantine is still needed until the release of the results of an RT-PCR test taken on the fifth day after their arrival. They must also undergo home quarantine until their 14th day in the country.
Arriving minors below 12 years of age will follow the quarantine protocols of their guardian. Those ages 12 to 18 will follow classification and procedures based on their vaccination status with either parent or guardian accompanying them during their facility-based quarantine.
Filipino nationals who have recovered from coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) but test positive in the 48-hour pre-departure RT-PCR test may enter the country but must present the necessary documents.
All inbound Filipinos must register with the One Health Pass prior to arrival in the Philippines, said Mr. Nogales.
Only fully vaccinated foreign nationals, except children under 12 years old, are allowed to enter the country. Those not fully vaccinated will be denied admission and will be subject to appropriate exclusion proceedings. They are no longer required to have facility-based quarantine
However, all those arriving in the country must still present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.
The Philippines had temporarily suspended its “green,” “yellow,” and “red” COVID-19 risk classifications for countries, territories, and jurisdiction due to the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan
