Go to OFWs: Follow protocols

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go commended the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases ( IATF- EID) and other concerned government agencies for laying down health and safety protocols for returning overseas Filipinos (OFs) in a bid to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

He appealed to returning Filipinos to follow the guidelines, stressing that the government is determined to help reunite with their families amid the pandemic.

“The government has laid down health and safety protocols for your protection and your families. Let’s follow it to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe upon your return,” the senator said in Filipino.

The IATF-EID, Philippine Red Cross and Department of Health recently released procedures being implemented at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for arriving Filipinos.

Returnees are required to register online by filling out a form and upload their passport’s bio page. They are given a Quick Response (QR) code through a confirmation email, which must be saved on their phones and printed to be presented upon arrival along with their passport.

They are briefed on health protocols and undergo a swab test before being assigned a quarantine area.

Within 72 hours, returning Filipinos will receive a message indicating the results of their tests. If negative, the government will release a medical certificate for them to be cleared to go home. If they tested positive, health personnel will assist them to get taken care of until they are well.

The National Task Force Covid19 recently increased the daily cap for returning overseas Filipinos from 1,200 to 1,500 individuals to 3,000 per day.