Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and non-OFWs landing in Cebu airports are no longer required to undergo 14-day quarantine if they test negative for coronavirus.
The latest rule was issued by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia through Executive Order (EO) No. 17. It took effect on March 31.
Under the new rule, Filipinos will only be required to fill up an online passenger registration form at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) website. Upon arrival, they will undergo a PCR Covid-19 test. The test will be conducted for free by the Department of Health.
According to the EO, travelers must pre-book a hotel room accredited with the Department of Tourism (DOT), where they will wait for the Covid-19 test result.
After getting the negative Covid-19 result, Filipinos will be allowed to go home.
“No other requirement shall be imposed by their Local Government Unit of destination under the Cebu Province in this regard,” the EO read.
Should the Covid-19 test turn out positive, the patient will receive proper health treatment.
The Cebu governor stressed that removing the mandatory 14-day quarantine will spare the OFWs and non-OFWs from financial costs.
“Requirement of quarantining an OFW and a returning non-OFW and swabbing them only on the 5th day after their arrival puts a heavy financial burden on the returning non-OFW and bludgeons the finance of OWWA that may very well be used other purposes,” Garcia said.
“If you go home, you must have a reason. And more often than not, it’s an emergency. They have limited time to spend with their family. If we require them to undergo quarantine, how many days will be left for their families?” she added.
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