The Philippines on Friday started the implementation of new quarantine protocols for international travelers coming from areas classified as low-risk and moderate-risk for COVID-19.
The government's inter-agency task force on COVID-19 response has approved a shorter quarantine for fully vaccinated individuals coming from "green" (low-risk) and "yellow" (moderate-risk) countries and territories, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
READ: GUIDE: Countries on PH Red, Yellow, Green List for Oct. 1-15
Here are the new quarantine protocols for travelers from areas classified under the "Green" and "Yellow" list:
1. Fully vaccinated individuals coming from “Green” or “Yellow” List need to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test results taken on the fifth day. They shall then be required to undergo home quarantine until their 10th day, with the day of arrival as their first day.
2. Unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently verified or confirmed as valid or authentic by local authorities coming from “Green” or “Yellow” List shall be required to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their RT-PCR testing taken on the seventh day. They shall then be required to undergo home quarantine until their 14th day, with the day of arrival as their first day.
3. For both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, the Bureau of Quarantine shall ensure strict symptom monitoring while the individuals are in the facility.
4. Foreign nationals shall be required to secure their own pre-booked accommodation of at least six days for the fully vaccinated; and at least eight days for the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals whose vaccination status cannot be independently confirmed as valid or authentic by local authorities coming from “Green” or “Yellow” List.
The IATF also approved the acceptance of the following documents for verification of COVID-19 vaccination status:
1. Certification from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in the country of origin for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their spouses, parents and/or children traveling with them
2. VaxCertPH digital vaccination certificate or BOQ-issued International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis for Filipinos or foreigners fully vaccinated in the Philippines
3. The national digital certificate of the foreign government which accepted VaxCertPH under a reciprocal arrangement or BOQ-issued ICV for non-OFWs and foreigners fully vaccinated abroad.
It was in September when the Philippines adopted the Red-Yellow-Green System to replace blanket travel bans.
Foreign travelers coming from Red List areas are prohibited entry to the Philippines. Those coming from Yellow List areas however need to undergo a longer quarantine than travelers coming from Green List countries.
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