In lieu of a negative RT-PCR test, international travelers and returning Filipinos may now present a negative result of a laboratory-based antigen test upon their arrival in the Philippines. 

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test or RT-PCR is no longer the sole option. The  Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) has finally issued  IATF-EID Resolution 160-A, allowing fully-vaccinated Filipino nationals to present either a negative result of RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours or a negative result of a laboratory-based antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to the date and time of their departure from the country of origin.

“Previously, they just have to show a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours. Now, it is either of the two – RT-PCR or antigen,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and Communications Undersecretary Michel Kristian Ablan said in an online press conference.

Moreover, fully-vaccinated individuals are no longer required to observe mandatory facility-based quarantine, although they must self-monitor for any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 for seven days. However, for unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or Filipino nationals whose vaccination status cannot be independently validated, they are mandated to undergo facility-based quarantine until the release of their negative RT-PCR test taken on their fifth day in the country. They are also required to observe home quarantine for another nine days.

featured image courtesy of Reuters