Negative swab test still mandatory for Davao visitors

DAVAO CITY – A negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) test is still required for travelers arriving in this city by plane.

“The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) initially said that vaccination cards will be used, but after two days... they said they will leave it up to the LGUs (local government units)... We will still require the negative RT-PCR test result,” Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio said.

She said it is still necessary to test travelers since a fully vaccinated person could still contract the virus.

Mandatory swab testing prior to entry into the city through the Davao City International Airport is being implemented under a city ordinance.

From Nov. 13 last year to July 3, 143 people have been arrested in the city for presenting fake RT-PCR tests.