Health certificates, travel passes now required at airports

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, airports across the country tightened their security measures and required passengers additional documents as domestic flights resumed on Thursday.

According to Ian Cruz’s report on “24 Oras,” airports now require all passengers to present their travel passes from the Philippine National Police and medical certificates from their local government units before boarding the plane.

Upon entering the terminal, passengers will also undergo thermal scanning and disinfection. Observance of physical distancing and wearing of face masks are also required.

Welhelmshaven Pantorilla, a passenger, said it took him two weeks to get his travel authority and medical certificate.

“Two weeks po or aabot ng three weeks ‘yong pagkuha po ng medical certificate at tsaka travel authority po. ‘Yong pila din po napakahirap din po kasi ‘yong city hall ng Pasig malayo sa PNP station so kailangan maglakad ng two hours kasi wala pong public transportation,” he said.

After checking in, all passengers will undergo final screening before entering the boarding gate, where social distancing is strictly observed.

Meanwhile, all cabin crew inside the plane wore personal protective equipment.

Aside from the travel pass and medical certificate, passengers were also required to  fill out a health declaration and passenger locator form.

All the said documents, including an acceptance pass from their respective LGUs, will be needed upon their arrival at the destination.

Moreover, budget carrier Cebu Pacific urged its passengers to check-in online or use the kiosk inside the terminal for a contactless transaction.

The Philippine Airlines and AirAsia will also resume flights on Friday. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News