THE National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the task force’s Technical Working Group is working on a formula that would systematically provide a uniform quarantine protocol for fully-vaccinated Filipinos here and abroad.
“Once ang isang OFW ay vaccinated abroad and it was validated that they were really vaccinated, he or she will have the same quarantine control with those vaccinated here in the Philippines,” said Galvez during the symbolic vaccination of the A4 priority sector in Taguig City.
“They will follow the same quarantine procedure ng seven days and we are looking at some sort of testing. These are all being studied and considered,” he added.
Galvez also hinted at discussing the proposed guidelines when Israel’s Health Minister arrives in the country next week.
“We want the policy for the vaccinated individuals to be fair and consistent. Because we have to remember that even vaccinated people can still get infected especially now that we have new variants,” Galvez said.
He added that the NTF is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and manning agencies for the validation of the vaccination of OFWs abroad.
The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said it has recommended the scrapping of the COVID-19 testing requirement for inbound Filipinos who were fully vaccinated abroad.
Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made it clear, however, that nothing is final yet as authorities study how to verify the vaccination status of incoming travelers.
The government earlier this month shortened the mandatory quarantine period and removed the COVID-19 testing requirement for fully vaccinated individuals who got their shots in the Philippines.
Quarantine period for inbound travelers to the Philippines who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 has been shortened to seven days from 14 but only if they got vaccinated in the country.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said an individual is considered fully vaccinated if he or she will come to the Philippines two or more weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series, or two or more weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.