No RT-PCR test required for unvaccinated voters – Comelec

Unvaccinated voters are not required to show a negative RT-PCR result at the polling site on May 9, according to the Commission on Elections.

“No reso or guidelines mandating the showing of vaccination cards by voters. No such [requirement] for the exercise of the right of suffrage,” Comelec Commissioner George Garcia told ABS-CBN News.

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According to Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, unvaccinated voters may be asked to cast their ballots in isolation polling stations where those who are symptomatic will also vote.

“‘Yun ang alam nating polisiya ng ating Comelec, kapag ikaw ay vaccinated, ipakita mo ‘yong vaxx card mo, ‘pag ikaw ay unvaccinated, dapat ipakita yung RT-PCR test results mo, negative within 48 hours tapos i-screen ka,” Cabotaje said.

“Kapag ikaw ay nakitaan ng sintomas, pagbobotohin ka sa isolated voting place na dinesignate ng ating Comelec,” she added.

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Meanwhile, Cabotaje maintained her agency’s position that COVID-19 positive voters should not leave their quarantine because it is illegal.

No RT-PCR test required for unvaccinated voters – Comelec

“Hindi po pwede lumabas ang may sakit. Theyre not allowed to go out of their areas kapag sila ay positive. Hindi sila puwede lumabas sa isolation facilities,” she warned.

The Comelec clarified on Friday that COVID-19 patients who were in the quarantine might not vote.

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While the Department of Health stated that no one would be prevented from voting, it was also critical for the public to obey government policy as the pandemic continued.

“Individuals who are positive with COVID-19 should strongly refrain from going outside and remain in isolation while recovering… The law is clear and provides measures to quickly stop the spread of any infectious disease,” DOH said in a statement.

Earlier, the OCTA Research Group once again warned that the daily number of COVID-19 cases in the country could go up by 5,000 to 10,000 due to the new Omicron variants.

OCTA made the forecast based on the increase in cases in South Africa caused by BA.4 and BA.5 variants in New Delhi in India caused by BA.2.12 and in the United States in turn caused by BA.2.12.1.

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