PAL offers free RT-PCR tests to returning OFWs from Middle East

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is offering RT-PCR tests for free returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East during the Christmas holiday season.

The free RT-PCR tests will run from December 21 to 31, 2020. PAL said results will be released 24 hours upon arrival.

“Land-based OFWs and their dependents departing from Dubai, Doha, Dammam, and Riyadh, and Bahrain may now avail of PAL's own One-Stop Shop (OSS) facility for their complimentary RT-PCR tests upon arrival,” the airline said.

The 24-hour turnaround time for the RT-PCR tests leads to a shorter quarantine isolation period of no more than one night, as compared to the two to five days averaged by other testing centers, according to PAL.

The carrier said it is offering the special holiday privilege exclusively for OFWs and their dependents as “a way of thanking the country's modern-day heroes.”

“The quick release of results will allow our modern-day heroes to maximize the time they spend with their families during the Christmas and New Year season,” PAL said.

The Philippine government through the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will continue to handle the quarantine hotel accommodations of all arriving OFWs.

To avail, passengers must register to PAL’s electronic Case Investigation Form (eCIF) as early as three days before departure at https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF.

PAL said its One-Stop Shop facility at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 is operated under a partnership with the Department of Health-accredited Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News