The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved uniform travel protocols for all local government units (LGUs) nationwide.
The new protocols were divided into five points: minimum public health standards; testing and quarantine; documentary requirements; information and communication technology (ICT) solutions and on ports/terminals.
Observance of public health protocols, including but not limited to physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette and wearing of face masks and face shields, will remain required in every LGU.
Clinical and exposure assessment will be strictly implemented in all ports of entry and exit to ensure that only asymptomatic, or those manifesting no Covid-19 symptoms, and non-close contact individuals are allowed to travel or enter travel across LGU borders.
Medical doctors will also be supervising the assessment of passengers at points of entry and exit.
Testing has been removed as a requirement for travel except if the LGU of destination requires it.
Only travelers who will exhibit Covid-19 symptoms will be required to undergo quarantine.
Travelers will no longer be required to present Joint Task Force Covid Shield-issued health certificates in checkpoints.
The StaySafe.ph system will also be utilized as the primary contact tracing system of the country.
Ports and terminals, meanwhile, will be required to have sufficient quarantine/isolation facilities and to put in place a referral system for symptomatic passengers.
The protocols were issued on Feb. 26. John Ezekiel J. Hirro