3 swab tests required for international travelers arriving through Mactan airport

CEBU, Philippines — International travelers arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport now have to undergo three swab tests to ensure everyone’s safety amid the threat of the new COVID-19 variant.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) has issued a new testing protocol to further strengthen the country’s border control measures to prevent the entry of Omicron variant.

Under the new IATF protocol which took effect yesterday, fully vaccinated individuals had to submit a negative Reverse Transcription - Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test result conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of origin.

Upon arrival, they shall undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 5th day from the date of arrival. But for those coming in through MCIA, a test-upon-arrival is also required, said DOH-VII chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche.

Regardless of a negative result during the 5th day swab, arriving passengers are required to undergo home quarantine up to the 14th day from the date of arrival.

For unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, the same testing requirements will be done except that they will have to undergo the last re-swab on the 7th day.

The Department of Transportation shall ensure that airlines board only passengers who comply with the negative RT-PCR test-before-travel requirement.

The testing and quarantine protocols of minors will be the same as that of their parents/guardians traveling with them, regardless of the minor’s vaccination status and country of origin.

International passengers who have already arrived and are currently undergoing quarantine will continue with the testing and quarantine protocols in place at the time of their arrival.

On the other hand, Filipinos from red list countries/territories/jurisdictions allowed entry via government-initiated repatriations, non-government-initiated repatriations, and Bayanihan Flights will only be allowed to deplane via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and/or Clark International Airport. — FPL (FREEMAN)