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As local tourism attempts to regain lost ground, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has reminded the public to adhere to the safety and health measures in place across the country.

On top of all these is undergoing a test to ensure that local tourists are negative from the coronavirus.

“While it is also within the purview of the local government units to determine the type of test deemed best to keep their communities and borders safe, the DOT defers to the guidance of the Department of Health which is the lead agency of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to institute overarching policies and procedures to curb the spread of the disease,” the DOT said in a statement.

When it comes to testing, there is the nasal swab test, where materials are collected from the back of the nose, and the less invasive antibody test, which is a blood test.

Recently, there is a new testing method endorsed by the Philippine Red Cross: saliva testing.

What is saliva testing?

A saliva test, as the name suggests, collects saliva samples from a person to determine the presence of the COVID-19 virus.

Patients spit into a sterile vial - up to 2 milliliters of saliva is needed - before the samples are taken to a lab for further examination.

Within a few hours, a person will know whether he or she has the coronavirus in his or her system.

The saliva test is less invasive and even painless as compared to a swab test.

How accurate is it?

The saliva test, according to PRC lead researcher Michael Tee, is 98.11 percent accurate, which is pretty high and encouraging.

A person who is undergoing the test is asked not to drink anything and refrain from brushing, gargling, and smoking at least half an hour before the scheduled test.

As of today, the saliva test has been given the seal of approval by health experts from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and the United States.

The PRC is accepting appointments through its website for those who want to avail of the said test for P2,000. Click here to access the booking page.

Drive-through saliva testing sites have also been opened by the PRC to service more people from as many areas as possible.

What provinces are accepting saliva test results?

As of today, the provinces of Bohol and Surigao del Norte have stated that they will recognize saliva test results from visiting tourists.

It is advisable to get in touch with local authorities of the provinces you're planning to visit to know if they are accepting results from saliva test.

Likewise, the PRC and DOH have urged the public, and those who tested negative, to continue practicing the safety guidelines such as the wearing of face mask and face shield at all times.