As the country implements a less strict COVID-19 protocol, Overseas Filipino Workers are greatly delighted as they can finally be together with their loved ones as they arrived in the country instead of going directly to quarantine facilities which is the previous protocol of the government. These happy scenes are something that was not seen in NAIA for more than 2 years.
The government mandates that fully vaccinated individuals entering the Philippines will only need to present a negative RT-PCR test which must be taken 48 hours before their flight. They also need to present their vaccination certificate.
Janet Junio, a returning OFW was happy to see her family after almost three years of not seeing them. Another OFW from the United States was happy to hear that they will not need to undergo quarantine on their arrival to the Philippines. When they first heard about it while on the plane, the OFW and other passengers in the plane were extremely happy.
According to the Department of Tourism, they are expecting more Filipinos to return to the Philippines now that they won’t need to undergo quarantine in facilities.
However, the DOT reminded returning OFWs to still follow the minimum health protocols and have a booster shot if necessary.
Public health experts also recommended balikbayans test themselves when they arrive in the Philippines just to make sure that their family members are safe from COVID-19.
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