The government’s pandemic task force has released an updated memorandum detailing the conditions and requisites for Filipinos abroad who want to return to the Philippines starting February 10, 2022.

Based on Resolution No. 160-A of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, fully vaccinated Filipino citizens arriving from abroad must have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to their flight to the Philippines.

Upon arrival, they will not be required to undergo a facility-based quarantine but will have to self-monitor for any symptoms for seven days. They are to report to their local government unit (LGU) if symptoms would manifest.

In his press briefing on Friday, February 4, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles clarified that “self-monitor” does not mean “home quarantine.”

Filipinos are deemed fully vaccinated if they received the second dose in a two-dose series or a single dose vaccine more than 14 days prior to their flight to the Philippines. Their vaccines must be included in the emergency use listing of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the local Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or issued a compassionate special permit by the Philippine FDA.

They must also be able to present any of the following proofs of vaccination before boarding their flight:

WHO International Certificates of Vaccination and Prophylaxis

VaxCertPH

National/state digital certificate of the foreign government which recognizes VaxCertPH

Other proofs of vaccination permitted by the IATF

Aside from this, all inbound Filipinos, regardless of their vaccination status, will have to register with the One Health Pass prior to their arrival in the Philippines.

Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, vaccination cannot be verified

Filipinos who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be verified are must also have the test-before-travel requirement but will have to undergo facility quarantine upon their arrival to the Philippines.

They will undergo another test on the fifth day from their arrival and may be released from quarantine if the result is negative. Afterward, they will have to undergo home quarantine until the 14th day and this will be monitored by their LGU.

Unvaccinated Filipinos below 12 years old shall follow the protocols set for their parent or the adult or guardian accompanying them. Those aged 12 to 17 shall follow the classification and procedures based on their vaccination status.

Fully recovered Filipinos with positive COVID tests

Filipinos who have fully recovered from COVID-19 but still test positive for the virus for the test-before-travel requirement are allowed to enter the Philippines. They are required to present the following documents before their flight:

Positive RT-PCR test taken not earlier than 10 days but not later than 30 days before their flight

Positive RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours before their flight

They must also have a medical certificate issued by a licensed physician stating that the passenger:

Was an asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, or critical COVID-19 patient, as the case may be

Has completed the mandatory isolation period

Is no longer infectious

Has been allowed free movement and travel

If the traveler is already fully vaccinated, they will not be required to undergo quarantine but will have to self-monitor for seven days.

However, if the traveler is unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or if their vaccination status cannot be verified, they will have to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of a negative RT-PCR test which will be taken on the fifth day from their arrival to the Philippines. They will have to finish their 14-day quarantine at home.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by Argyll Cyrus Geducos

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