Manila gov't: Swab test not required for those coming from other NCR cities

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) swab test will not be required from those entering the City of Manila from other cities in the National Capital Region and those who reside in the province but work in the capital city, the local government clarified Sunday.

“For those within Metro Manila, hindi mandatory ang swab testing. Although kung gusto nila magpa-swab test, we will still accommodate them. So ine-encourage namin ang voluntary swab testing,” Manila Public Information Office chief Julius Leonen said in Mai Bermudez’ “24 Oras Weekend” report.

Employees who work in Manila but go home to a different province will also not be required to get swabbed.

“'Yan 'yung mga scenario na hindi naman kailangan ng mandatory swab testing. Although we will still accommodate them. Kasi may mga nagtatanong din sa amin na, ‘What if one day lang, puwede ba ‘wag pa-swab?’ Puwede pa rin naman,” Leonen said.

However, those who will enter Manila from other provinces will be required to undergo swab testing.

“Huwag po kayong mag-alala dahil libre naman po itong swab test na ibibigay ng Manila City Government,” Leonen said.

The Manila Health Department said earlier that residents who will reenter the city after the holidays will need to be tested to avoid possible COVID-19 transmission.

Those who will test positive will be taken to a quarantine facility, while those who test negative will be issued a medical certificate indicating the result.

Manila has 295 active COVID-19 cases as of Sunday. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News