New COVID-19 protocols for passengers arriving at NAIA

There is no longer a swab test at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as part of the new protocol for those arriving at the airport from abroad.

The swab test will be conducted on the 6th day after arriving in the Philippines in the quarantine facilities instead of at NAIA.

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For example, if the passenger arrives on February 1, he will have a swab test on February 6 at the facility where he will be staying.

The number of days before swab is the same, even from places or countries with a reported new COVID-19 variant.

A few days before arriving in the country, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are advised to register online with the Philippine Red Cross to obtain a QR code. For non-OFWs, there is another online registration to get the code.

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Before arrival, you must also book an accredited hotel for 7 days.

Upon arrival at the airport, the passenger will pass a body temperature scanner.

When symptoms appear, the Bureau of Quarantine will isolate the passenger, but if not, it will be directed to the briefing area.

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OFWs are isolated from non-OFWs.

OFWs will be assigned to the hotel while non-OFWs will be asked by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to prove that they have a hotel booked.

New COVID-19 protocols for passengers arriving at NAIA

Non-OFWs also need to prepare P4,000 for the swab test.

Six days will be counted since arriving in the country before the passenger is subjected to a swab test.

“Iisa-isahin na isa-swab sa mga hotel. Noon dito lang natin nasa-swab lahat, ngayon kailangan ng mobile swabbing team para ma-swab ang mga pasahero,” said Undersecretary Raul Del Rosario, head of NAIA one-stop shops.

The test result is expected to be released within a day so the hotel must be booked for 7 days.

If negative, the passenger will be endorsed in the local government unit he or she will go to where he or she must finish the rest of the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Foreign passport holders from countries with a new COVID-19 variant will also be allowed to enter the country if they have a valid Philippine visa, foreign dignitary, or a married, child, or parent Philippine passport holder included in the flight.

BI reminded that those who can be proven to submit fake documents will be deported.