‘Pandemic efforts based on good science’

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go has reassured the public that the government’s efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic are well calibrated and are all based on science as the country relaxes further the travel restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.

Go, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police housing project in Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City last Friday, said experts are studying the matter everyday.

“There are improvements not only in our country, but also abroad. Experts are constantly studying the situation. For example, local tourists can travel here without the need of an RT-PCR test. All they have to do is show proof that they are fully vaccinated,” he noted.

He cited Resolution 124-5 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases issued on July 4, which stated that fully vaccinated individuals will only need to submit their vaccination cards for inter-zonal travel and intra-zonal mobility aside from removing the negative swab test requirement.

The new protocol covers those who have been fully vaccinated with vaccines that are included in the Compassionate Special Permit or Emergency Use Authorization List issued by the Food and Drug Administration or Emergency Use Listing of the World Health Organization.

Go continued to encourage all Filipinos to get vaccinated as the government slowly restores physical mobility and reopen doors to safe travel.

“My countrymen, if you want to travel, get vaccinated now. If you are fully vaccinated, you won’t need the swab tests to do it,” he said in Filipino.

He also said that the previous 14-day quarantine period, after consideration by the experts, has been reduced to only seven days.

As quarantine protocols are slowly eased, Go emphasized that the health and safety of all Filipinos remain the government’s priority. He urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities.

He also asked Filipinos to remain patient amid the quarantine protocols because these are meant to protect their lives.