Home isolation for COVID-19 positive travelers mulled

MANILA, Philippines — Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 upon entering the country may soon be allowed to just undergo home isolation.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa yesterday revealed that the existing COVID-19 protocol would undergo revision when the health emergency is lifted, noting that he is inclined to allow home isolation for returning residents who will test positive for the virus.

Herbosa still stressed the importance of requiring COVID-positive travelers to undergo quarantine to prevent the infection from spreading in the country again.

He also advised Filipinos experiencing symptoms of the infection to defer their scheduled travel to the Philippines.

Since last year, the Philippine government has relaxed the travel restriction and allowed entry of foreign travelers. But those who test positive upon arrival shall undergo a 10-day isolation in a quarantine facility.

While awaiting the formal lifting of the health emergency, Herbosa said, travelers may write a letter to the Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ) that they may be allowed to undergo home isolation in case they turn out positive for COVID-19.

He said the travelers would have to stay in quarantine hotels for a few days and then submit an appeal letter to the BoQ.

A request for home isolation must have the approval of the local government unit, which will monitor and ensure the traveler is complying with quarantine requirements.