The Philippine government is planning to add more quarantine days for returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and other balikbayans situated in different quarantine facilities, says the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
This will push through if the IATF will approve the Department of Health’s mandate to restructure the quarantine protocols for OFWs.
According to OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, from the six days, the RT-PCR test will be held on the next day. And if their results turn negative, they will still be advised to stay at the quarantine facility for 1 to 2 days and they will only be allowed outside after 10 days.
“Sa ngayon, 8 to 9 days ang ilalagi sa mga hotel quarantine pero ang proposal ng DOH, sa ika-10 araw ang releasing so mga 1 to 2 days ang maximum na itatagal ang extension. It applies to everybody, which includes OFWs and non-OFWs,” says Cacdac.
Cacdac also clarifies that they are already expecting additional funds for DOLE and DBM allocated to these OFWs.
They will also have an initial tranche but Cacdac cannot determine its exact amount. But Cacdac insisted that these funds will be enough to last until the end of the year.
But if the proposal for the additional quarantine days for OFWs gets approved, they may need additional funds for the operation.
Source ABS-CBN
