Unless LGU requires it,

COVID test, quarantine

Noy anymore mandatory

PANGLAO, Bohol, Feb 27 (PIA) – Unless it is specifically required by local government units (LGU), mandatory testing for coronavirus disease (COVID) and quarantine is no longer mandatory, a new resolution from the Inter-Agency task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) stated.

In the online press briefing however, Malacanang spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque was quick to stress that the exceptions is when the LGU of destination will make COVID testing as a requirement prior to travel, where Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) would be used.

Sec. Roque, on an online press briefing used the IAFT EID Resolution 101, series for 2021, which also mandates forced clinical and exposure assessment supervised by doctors, for all passengers in all ports of entry and exit to ensure only asymptomatic, non-close contact individuals are allowed to travel.

Also, the resolution said no traveler shall be required to undergo quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms upon arrival at the LGU of destination.

As such, all ports and terminals must have sufficient quarantine/isolation facilities; put up a referral system where travelers who become symptomatic are confined for the local health officials to take over.

In Bohol, Executive Order No. 12, series of 2021, of Governor Arthur Yap last week also lifted the quarantine requirements for returning residents like LSI, ROFs, OFWs, APOR and government officials and non-APOR like local and international tourists, investors and businessmen, except for suspect and probable cases of COVID-19.

The same EO also amended testing protocols for those coming in to Bohol, stating that anybody coming in with a COVID-negative RT-PCR test result done 72 hours prior to the flight to Bohol, has 3 days to stay here and they are freed from quarantine.

Anyone who needs to extend their stay here, however needs to have a RT-PCR, or can take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) with a negative for COVID-19 test result to be allowed to stay longer.

The EO however mandates anyone coming in to coordinate with their LGUs.

E.O. 12 also allows testing upon arrival, and anyone tested would be put in quarantine until a negative test result is released.

An RT-PCR test taken here allows the person tested some five days of stay here, and a repeat test here also extends his length of time here.

Meanwhile, reiterating the need to minimize exposure and spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the Department of Interior and Local Government in the province of Bohol has adopted a no walk-in visitors policy in their office, starting March 1, 2021.

That same day, Bohol officially opens its doors to COVID-19-free short staying guests and returning residents, by skipping for them the hassle of going through 14 day-quarantine and or self-isolation.

For the DILG, the way to get to them is through appointment via their office email address at info@bohol.dilgregion7.net or through 0933-139-2273, stating name of person setting the appointment and purpose, while a DILG Bohol personnel would be there to schedule the appointment, according to Provincial Director Jerome Gonzales, in an advisory dated February 23, 2021. (rahchiu/PIA-7/Bohol)