PAL sets new testing, quarantine protocols

MANILA, Philippines — Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) said new protocols would be implemented on testing and quarantine for arriving passengers starting today.

In line with the latest resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), PAL will be requiring passengers arriving in the country to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR testing on their sixth day of quarantine at a facility or hotel accredited by tourism and health agencies of the government.

The requirements will be strictly implemented upon arrival in any international airport in the country, PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said.

The government had earlier decided not to extend the travel restrictions for 36 countries with recorded new COVID-19 variants, which lapsed yesterday.

Subject to the presentation of required travel documents, PAL said allowed to travel to the Philippines are Filipino citizens, foreign nationals with long-term visas, diplomats and dignitaries, and medical emergency cases, including medical escorts.

Before flying, PAL advised passengers to register on the electronic case investigation form (e-CIF) as early as three days before their flight to Manila. Non-OFW passengers are encouraged to pre-book a hotel accredited by tourism and health agencies for the six-night quarantine accommodation.

Land-based OFWs can register their e-CIF at https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/; sea-based OFWs can register at https://ecif.firstaide.ph/; and non-OFW passengers can register at https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF.

On the sixth day of their stay at the quarantine facility, reverse transcription - polmerase chain reaction testing will be administered.

PAL said non-OFWs should present their QR code, passport, and payment receipt and shall undergo RT-PCR testing to be given by Detoxicare Medical and Diagnostics Laboratory, while testing for OFWs would be administered by the Philippine Coast Guard or the Philippine Red Cross.

“Once cleared, you may call up your relatives or local government unit to pick you up or you may arrange for your own transportation. OFWs may contact OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) or their local manning agencies,” PAL said.

“Please complete your 14-day quarantine/self-isolation under the monitoring of your local government unit or barangay health emergency response team,” the airline company added. – Rudy Santos