The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing for the removal of mandatory swab tests for Filipinos who are fully vaccinated abroad when they arrive in the Philippines.
In a press briefing, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the guidelines for this new policy are yet to be finalized.
Vergeire however stressed these Filipinos who completed their vaccination overseas still have to be monitored closely and undergo seven-day isolation.
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“Testing is one of the important measures that is part of our response. But if you are already fully vaccinated, it is already good as long as you are quarantined for seven days” the health official said.
She said the health department is working on a mechanism to validate the authenticity of vaccination cards.
A similar policy may apply for returning overseas Filipinos (ROFs) who are vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Philippines, Vergeire added.
“When they arrive back in the country, they just have to undergo quarantine for seven days without any testing,” she explained.
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These travelers will be discharged seven days after quarantine if they will not develop symptoms of coronavirus.
Vergeire added these Filipinos will be monitored by their respective local government units after being discharged. (RA)
