Cebu now requires negative RT-PCR tests

CEBU – International travellers whether Filipino or foreigners arriving at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport are now required to present negative RT-PCR test results taken within 48 hours before departing from their country of origin, and this is on top of their vaccination card.

A passenger who is unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or whose vaccination cannot be validated must also have a negative RT-PCR test results and they will be swabbed upon arrival, and must stay in a quarantine facility until the release of the second test taken on the fifth day after arrival.

“Airline operators are enjoined to require international passengers traveling to Cebu to present proof of their full vaccination from their place of origin upon check-in. Absence of said proof shall classify the traveler as unvaccinated or partially unvaccinated,” said Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in a signed memorandum released recently.

Chief pathologist Dr. Mary Jean Loreche of the Department of Health Region 7 noted that despite the surge in Covid-19 cases in Cebu, hospitals still has a low occupancy rate as most of the patients are either asymptomatic or just mildly-ill. She advised those experiencing cough, colds, and fever to stay isolated even if they are at home.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said at least 1,200 returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have tested positive for Covid-19 and are now in quarantine hotels.

“Our last count, there are 1,200 who tested positive. They are now in isolation. Accommodations have been extended. When they tested positive, they were immediately transferred to quarantine facilities where they will stay until they recover,” OWWA deputy administrator Arnell Ignacio said.

Ignacio attributed the number of infected returning OFWs to the surge in cases due to the Omicron variant, noting that most of them are from countries in Asia. He also reported that the medical teams in quarantine hotels are attending to both Covid-19 cases and other medical concerns.

“We have our in-house medical teams. They are on guard 24 hours to assist the needs of our modern-day heroes. It’s not only for Covid but also other medical concerns,” Ignacio said.

On the other hand, he said, arrivals of distressed Filipinos or those affected by the pandemic are not only happening in airports in Metro Manila, but also airports in Cebu, Davao, and Pampanga. He said OWWA data showed that a total of 901,605 OFWs have returned since the repatriation efforts of the government began in May 2020.

After undergoing quarantine, the Filipinos were transported back to their home regions to be with their families. The transportation, food, and accommodation expenses are shouldered by the government. (John Rey Saavedra and Ferdinand Patino)