‘TESTING FOR TRAVELERS SHOULD BE OPTIONAL’

A senior Filipino investment banker has suggested that travelers be given the option to have themselves tested for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) within a certain period before flying to the Philippines.

“So as long as the government requires a [Covid-19] test for all arriving passengers, then why not give the option to have the test upon arrival or allow a test within a certain time frame like 72 hours before departure for the Philippines?” Stephen CuUnjieng, chairman and chief executive officer for Asia of a New York Stock Exchange-listed investment bank, said in a message emailed to TheManila

Times on Tuesday.

This would mean no cost or administrative burden for the government, he said.

“Safety is even enhanced because if the potential passenger turns out to be positive [for Covid-19,] he or she will be quarantined where he is and won’t be allowed to board the flight anyway,” he added.

He said it might take four to five days to get the test result in the country, while in Hong Kong, it takes a few hours after arrival.

“Instead of this can it be suggested that the non- OFW (overseas Filipino worker) traveler take a test within 48 or 72 hours of arrival as administered by a proper clinic or hospital or entity at the point of origin and if negative either not bother with the quarantine or at least allow the traveler to go straight home for the quarantine period?” CuUnjieng said.

“As many countries are preparing for reopening, this is being considered in other countries and was what Thailand did prior to closing flights and seems to be contemplating as part of its opening,” he added.

Indonesia, he said, required a test for returning citizens, while Cambodia, which still allows foreign visitors. requires them to take a test no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.

“This way both responsibility and cost are borne by the traveler and the additional and unnecessary strain is not added to our healthcare system,” CuUnjieng said.

Clearly, he said, those who tested positive for Covid-19 would be quarantined where they are by the country they are in.

CuUnjieng also said many Filipino professionals were gearing to negotiate and hopefully close transactions, which would be a plus to the country and boost economic confidence.

“I know we are overwhelmed and need to do these steps for OFWs and the country’s paramount health needs, but what about carving out a legitimate exception for those who either just want to return or have work that requires travel but nevertheless do it in a manner that addresses these health risks with an even greater level of safety and at no cost to the government?” he said.