Gov't shortens quarantine, isolation period for aviation personnel

The government shortened the isolation and quarantine period for aviation personnel infected with COVID-19 and those exposed to a COVID-19 case, Malacañang said Friday.

Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said this was provided under the Inter-Agency Task Force Resolution 157 which states that aviation personnel with a mild case of COVID-19 or are asymptomatic were required to isolate for five days, provided that they are fully vaccinated and received a booster shot against COVID-19.

On other hand, aviation personnel who were exposed to a COVID-19 case but do not exhibit COVID-19 symptoms need not undergo quarantine, provided that they are fully vaccinated and received a booster shot against COVID-19.

Likewise, asymptomatic close contacts of those who recovered from COVID-19 within the last 90 days are also not required to undergo quarantine.

The quarantine and isolation period for the members of the general population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and were exposed to a COVID-19 case or infected with COVID-19 range from seven to 10 days.

Nograles, however, said that the Transportation Department and its attached agencies will identify the appropriate accountable group that makes decisions on shortening isolation or quarantine based on evidence, similar to a Hospital Infection Prevention and Control body.

Such a body deliberates, monitors, and acts on all infection-related concerns involving infectious disease specialists, safety officers, and the management of a health facility.

Likewise, the IATF required all aircraft to be appropriately ventilated and all aviation staff to wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.

"DOTr will monitor and evaluate the implementation of the [protocols for the] aviation industry, and copy-furnish reports to the DOH Epidemiology Bureau for assessment of COVID-19 cases, clusters, vaccination status, and the like," the IATF Resolution read.

Lastly, the IATF retained the authority to revoke/modify the privilege provided to the aviation industry for shortened quarantine and isolation. — DVM, GMA News