PAL releases updated arrival protocols following detection of Omicron variant in other countries

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Monday reported the revised arrival protocols, following the expansion of the list of “Red” countries amid the detection of the new COVID-19 variant.

According to PAL, the following protocols took effect starting Sunday, November 28:

Arrival protocols for both green and yellow countries or regions:

• In compliance with IATF regulations, the testing and quarantine protocols for all inbound international travelers in all ports of entry will comply with the testing and quarantine protocols for “yellow” list countries.
• Inbound travelers from Hong Kong will also be subject to protocols for “yellow countries

Overseas Filipinos or eligible foreigners from green and yellow countries:

• Fully vaccinated travelers will need to submit a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior departure, third-day swabbing, and self-monitoring until the 14th day from arrival.

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• Those without a negative swab test result will have to submit to a facility-based quarantine until release of results, fifth-day swabbing, and home quarantine until the 10th day from arrival.
• Travelers unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will be subjected to a facility-based quarantine until the release of negative results, seventh-day swabbing, and home quarantine until the 14th day from arrival.

Malacañang earlier on Monday announced the temporary suspension of the implementation of a resolution allowing the entry of fully vaccinated foreigners with visa-free privileges due to concerns involving the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Malacañang announced Monday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the Omicron as a variant of concern, and many countries are racing to try and contain it. The origin of the variant is currently unclear, but South African scientists were the first to announce the discovery on November 25.

The Philippines has so far placed several countries under the Red List until December 15, in efforts to prevent the spread of the variant. — RSJ, GMA News