(Eagle News)–All returning Overseas Filipino Workers are now required to undergo rapid testing for the coronavirus disease 2019.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the new directive from the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases covers both sea-based and land-based OFWs.
He said the test was apart from the 14-day quarantine they are required to undergo upon arrival in the country.
Nograles said sea-based OFWs onboard cruise ships who have been issued with a clean bill of health by the Bureau of Quarantine, will also be subjected to a rapid antibody testing.
He said this was upon presentation of a certificate of completion of a 14-day quarantine issued at the point of origin immediately before departure.
The Philippines has so far recorded over 6000 COVID-19 cases, with recoveries keeping the lead over deaths.
But the Palace said the Philippines had yet to flatten the curve.
President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to make a decision on the enhanced community quarantine he imposed in Luzon in a bid to contain the virus.
