Manila City residents who went to the provinces are required to undergo swab testing for COVID-19 before they are allowed to return home.
“Upang maiwasan ang muling pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID-19 sa lungsod ng Maynila pagkatapos ng panahon ng kapaskuhan, ang lahat ng tao na babalik sa ating lungsod simula Enero 2, 2021 ay kinakailangan na sumailalim sa RT-PCR o swab test bago tanggapin sa kanilang barangay.” – Manila Barangay Bureau Memorandum, December 29
The Manila Barangay Bureau stated in a memorandum to barangay officials dated December 29 that all Manila residents who are traveling back from provinces after January 2 must head directly to testing facilities in their respective districts:
District 1 – T. Paez Quarantine Facility
District 2 – Patricia Sports Complex Quarantine Facility
District 3 – Arellano Quarantine Facility
District 4 – Dapitan Sports Complex Quarantine Facility
District 5 – San Andres Sports Complex Quarantine Facility
District 6 – Bacood Quarantine Facility
Results are expected to be released within a day or two so they must wait at the assigned quarantine facility until then.
A medical certificate will be issued to those who will be found negative for the coronavirus disease. This certificate will have to be presented to their respective barangay officials before they are allowed to return to their homes. However, those who will test positive for COVID-19 will be brought to quarantine facilities.
Meanwhile, those coming from other cities within Metro Manila may volunteer to get tested for COVID-19 as well as a safety precaution.
“If returnee will come from within Metro Manila: Returnees may volunteer to get tested, Manila Health Department will accommodate them.” – Dr. Arnold Pangan, the acting City Health Officer
Manila City Public Information Office chief Julius Leonen reportedly said that the cost of testing will be shouldered by the local government. He also says that the testing will be on a case-to-case basis: if a resident leaves the city for just a day or overnight, then there is no need to get swabbed unless it is voluntary.
“Case-to-case basis naman po, if isang araw lang or overnight, and resident naman po talaga siya ng Manila City, then no need na [magpa-swab], unless magpa-voluntary swab test siya. Dr. Pangan said they will accommodate them.” – Manila City Public Information Office chief Julius Leonen
As of writing, out of the 476K cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines, 211K are from Metro Manila.
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