Outbound Pinoys need RT-PCR test if host countries require: DOH

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire
(PIA file photo)

MANILA – An outbound Filipino will have to undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) if a receiving country will call for it, Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Monday.

Vergeire made this reaction to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) protocol which allows outbound Filipinos to travel after securing a negative Covid-19 result through an antigen test.

“For outbound, meaning Filipinos going to other countries, we will be aligning the protocol with the receiving country. Whatever the requirements of the receiving country, if that receiving country requires an negative result from RT-PCR test, the outbound Filipinos have to comply with that,” she said during a virtual media briefing.

She said RT-PCR test must be used to confirm a Covid-19 negative result from an antigen test.

“We have to remember that when we interpret the antigen test results, kung positive ang Covid-19 result roon, positive ka (if Covid-19 is positive in it, you’re positive). But when it is negative, it has to be confirmed by an RT-PCR test,” Vergeire said.

Citing DOH’s Omnibus Interim Guidelines on Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment and Reintegration Strategies for Covid-19, Vergeire stressed antigen test can be used for specific purposes like for testing close contacts of people with Covid-19, during community outbreaks, and in hospitals for faster turnaround time when testing healthcare workers.

Vergeire confirmed that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning from countries with low to medium Covid-19 prevalence per World Health Organization’s classification “would not be required to undergo RT-PCR test and would only be checked for Covid-19 symptoms”.

She also clarified that returning OFWs with no Covid-19 symptoms will still have to comply with the guidelines, which may include the need for an RT-PCR test, set by their local government units.