RT-PCR lifted, only 

Valid ‘vaxcert’ as 

Bohol entry-pass

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Oct 22 (PIA) –Starting Monday, October 25, fully vaccinated incoming travelers to Bohol need not go through the hassles and discomfort of getting swab-tested and wait for their results, they only need to show their validated and authenticated vaccination certificates to get to move around the island.

This as Gov Arthur Yap ordered the lifting of the requirement on showing negative for coronavirus disease (COVID) in laboratory test results taken 72 hours before traveling to Bohol.

The swab would be assayed under Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) as per Executive Order No. 52, Series of 2021.

Signed October 22, 2021, the EO 52, although favorable to fully vaccinated individuals with at least 14 days after the final vaccine dose, still makes sure that incoming travelers are not coming in with bogus documents.

Requiring the digital copy of the vaccine certificate generated from vaxcert.doh.gov.ph, and duly validated and authenticated by the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine is a must for entry to Bohol, starting October 25.

The new EO amends EO No. 17 series of 2021 which directs individuals coming to Bohol to present a negative RT PCR test result administered 72 hours before departure from place of origin.

The new EO is also in line with the Inter Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 124-B series of 2021 which declares as sufficient, the showing of domestic vaccination cards duly issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment, or the certificate of completion of Quarantine showing the presenter’s vaccination status as may be issued by the Bureau of Quarantine.

The two vaccination documents have been accepted as alternatives to any testing requirement needed by local government units of travel destination.

The decision to lift the RT PCR, according to the governor, is per recommendation of the Bohol IATF EID, the Department of Interior and Local Government as well as the mayors who attended the meeting.

The EO however is only for fully vaccinated person with more than or equal to 2 weeks of down time after getting the second dose in a two-dose vaccine series or two weeks after the first dose if a single dose vaccine.

This is also provided that the vaccine administered by the incoming traveler is among the listed vaccines green-lighted with Emergency Use Authority, Compassionate Special Permit as issued by the Philippines Food and Drugs Administration or that which is in the World Health Organization’s Emergency Use list.

For arriving international travelers like returning Filipinos from overseas and foreign nationals, the provisions of IATF Resolution 143, series of 2021 would be applied, rules the EO.

This means, from their places of origin, returning OFWs, overseas Filipinos and foreign nationals must secure a negative RT PCR administered 72 hours before leaving their countries of origin.

Upon their arrival in Bohol, they need not go to a facility based quarantine, but they are enjoined to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID, until their 14th day in Bohol or arrival in the country.

For locals who could not present a negative RTPCR test upon arrival, they will immediately proceed to a facility-based quarantine where they will be swab-tested and remain on quarantine until they can obtain a negative for COVID test result.

For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals, a valid RT PCR taken 72 hours prior to departure from Bohol is still required, says the new EO 52.

Along this, personnel from the DOH Bureau of Quarantine would be checking on these documents at the airport, while personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard would be validating these required documents at the seaports. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)