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MANILA, Philippines – The Interagency Working Group on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has allowed antigen tests to be used to detect local tourists without coronavirus symptoms as a “pre-shipment requirement” or those who develop symptoms while they are at their destination.
But the IATF stressed that antigen tests should be used only in the absence of RT-PCR or swab tests which “remain … the gold standard for confirmatory testing.”
The use of antigen testing in specific circumstances was discussed as tourist spots such as the cities of Tagaytay and Baguio prepare to receive local tourists from areas with a low number of cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Domestic tourists must test negative for COVID-19 before they are allowed to enter a tourist destination and stay in pre-arranged accommodations.
In a statement, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said antigen tests could be used as “a pre-boarding requirement for asymptomatic domestic tourists prior to departure and travel to tourist destinations, or as a requirement upon entering the destination. Yes, according to the protocols of the local government unit. “
According to IATF Resolution No. 69 published Monday, the Department of Health required that a confirmatory antigen test be performed three to five days after the initial test.
“Antigen testing can also be used in testing domestic tourists who become symptomatic at the destination, if they do not have RT-PCR capabilities,” said the IATF.
For more news on the new coronavirus, click here.
What you need to know about the coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
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