LAWMAKERS on Tuesday recommended that returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other inbound international Filipino travelers who have already been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 be exempted from the mandatory quarantine period.
Rep. Ronnie Ong of the partylist group Ang Probinsyano said a properly authenticated proof of vaccination should suffice to ease quarantine protocols for returning OFWs and other Filipinos returning to the Philippines to enable them to spend more time with their families and truly enjoy their stay in the country.
Ong said that that they can still be required to undergo RT-PCR swab upon arrival and must fully inform authorities of their travel destination.
According to Ong, people who have been vaccinated should no longer pose any public health hazard to the general population and should be given some leeway on existing quarantine protocols for inbound OFWs and returning Filipino travelers.
Aside from easing the quarantine requirement, Ong also recommended that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) should also relax restrictions on inter-zonal/cross-border travel for people who have already completed their anti-Covid vaccines.
He added that vaccinated individuals should no longer be restricted to enter cities or municipalities regardless of their existing level of quarantine as long as the visitors continue to observe health and safety protocol, including the wearing of masks and face shields.
“We have to start jumpstarting our domestic tourism. Those who have already been vaccinated should be allowed to have unrestricted access to our beautiful local destinations,” Ong said.
Aside from easing restrictions for domestic and international travel for vaccinated Filipinos, Ong also recommended that business establishments, such as malls, restaurants, hotels, resorts and other similar places should start accommodating senior citizens who have already been vaccinated.
The IATF should also start allowing dine-in and allow 100 percent capacity on restaurants for customers and guests who have been vaccinated. They can set aside areas that are exclusive for customers who already had their Covid jabs.
“While we understand that the health of our people must be paramount, we also need to help the business sector which has been bleeding for almost two years now. We also have to start reinvigorating our domestic tourism because many of our small and poor municipalities are dependent on tourism. We should encourage our vaccinated population to be at the forefront of our national effort to rev up our economy,” Ong said.
For her part, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Rowena Niña Taduran also believes that the mandatory seven-day quarantine in a government-approved facility would only burden the balikbayan, who has a very low risk of contracting and spreading the virus after being vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Most of the returning Filipinos have a limited time of staying here and are already cash-strapped. All they want is to be with their families for a longer time and spend whatever money they have for pasalubong or other necessities,” said Taduran.
A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that fully vaccinated people, specifically with an mRNA type vaccine, are less likely to have an asymptomatic infection and transmit the virus.
Those who have been vaccinated with other types have been proven to lower their risk of severe illness due to Covid 19.
“Some European countries and USA have eased their travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people. Why are we making it difficult for our own countrymen?” said Taduran.
Image courtesy of Nonie Reyes
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