‘Green lane’ for vaccinated travelers proposed

The Department of Tourism has suggested a “green lane” for travelers already vaccinated against COVID-19. Under this, the travel protocol may be more relaxed.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said they based the suggestion on what is being done in Thailand.

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Thailand has lowered to 7 days the quarantine period for those who have been vaccinated.

Even after being vaccinated in the country of origin, any traveler arriving in the Philippines is still not exempted from travel protocols.

This is one of the complaints of John dela Rosa, who has already been vaccinated in Saudi Arabia.

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“Hindi namin maintindihan how is it possible na we have to undergo 10-day quarantine kahit na we are vaccinated na… Marami kaming OFW na limitado na ang bakasyon… Para sa akin hindi patas, marami kaming importanteng bagay na gagawin, kukuha kaming documents at OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate) at hindi ‘yun makukuha basta-basta,” he said.

Currently, upon arrival at the airport, OFWs will be assigned to quarantine facilities.

‘Green lane’ for vaccinated travelers proposed

On the 7th day at the facility, they will still undergo the COVID-19 test.

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Even if the result is negative, you must stay in the quarantine facility for up to 10 days. It is also necessary to allow 4 days for home quarantine.

That is, almost half a month of their vacation immediately disappeared.

This week the government will meet to discuss the proposed green lane.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has asked the  to confirm reports that some countries ban  vaccinated with Sinovac or Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine. 

According to social media posts that quoted the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, travelers who received the said Chinese  would be denied entry.

The European Union allegedly will implement a similar ban, according to online reports.

Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. also said the reports banning those vaccinated with Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines are baseless. He noted that the World Health Organization () had approved the Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use listing (EUL). WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization was running tests on Sinovac’s CoronaVac.

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