PAL offers free RT-PCR tests to OFWs returning from Middle East

Philippine Airlines (PAL)offers free RT-PCR tests for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the Middle East during the holiday season.

The free COVID-19 swab test would run from December 21 to 31, 2020, with results released 24 hours upon arrival.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Land-based OFWs and their dependents departing from Dubai, Doha, Dammam, and Riyadh, and Bahrain may now avail of PAL’s own One-Stop Shop (OSS) facility for their complimentary RT-PCR tests upon arrival,” the airline said.

The fast release of results would lead to a shorter quarantine isolation period of no more than one night. The average quarantine period of other testing centers is from two to five days.

PAL said it offers the special holiday privilege exclusively for OFWs and their dependents as “a way of thanking the country’s modern-day heroes.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“The quick release of results will allow our modern-day heroes to maximize the time they spend with their families during the Christmas and New Year season,” PAL said.

Passengers who wish to avail of the promo must register to PAL’s electronic Case Investigation Form (eCIF) as early as three days before departure at https://bit.ly/MNLPALeCIF.

PAL’s One-Stop Shop facility at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 operates in partnership with the Department of Health-accredited Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics.

ADVERTISEMENT

PAL RT-PCR testing center

Meanwhile, effective November 11, 2020, the carrier said passengers may undergo COVID-19 RT-PCR testing at the Philippine Airlines Learning Center (PLC) located at 540 Padre Faura cor. Adriatico St. Ermita, Manila.

“Our Department of Health-accredited laboratory partner Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics provides drive-thru or walk-in RT-PCR testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at a cost of P4,500. Results are released within 24 hours,” it said.

“Payment options are: cash (PHP currency only), card (debit/credit), GCash, PayPal, WeChatPay, or Alipay,” it added.

Upon entering the testing center, passengers should show ID, plane ticket, and QR code proving a successfully registered passenger profile and health declaration online.

“Should you wish to avail of the services of other testing and lab partners of PAL, you may click the link for the complete listing: https://bit.ly/PALInternationalTestingPartners,” the airline said.

On the day of your flight, the completeness and validity of travel documents would be checked.

“For more information on travel protocols, procedures, and requirements, you may visit www.philippineairlines.com or the Official PAL Facebook Page or call PAL hotline numbers +632-8855-8888 or tollfree 1-800-435-9725,” it said.