New quarantine guidelines issued for OFWs returning from countries with new COVID-19 strain

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya confirmed Friday that new quarantine guidelines for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFW) coming from countries with the new COVID-19 strain are now imposed.

In an interview, Malaya said that the OFWs will be subjected to free PCR test upon their arrival and another free PCR test on the fifth day.

In the event the OFWs are tested as being COVID-19 positive, Malaya noted they will be transferred to the state-accredited isolation facilities.

If the OFWs are tested negative for COVID-19, Malaya said they are endorsed to the local government units (LGUs) for facility based quarantine.

But, Malaya explained that the OFWs with their own rooms and toilets in their residences may be qualified for home quarantine.

“LGU should monitor completion of remaining quarantine days through the barangay,’’ Malaya stressed.

Expounding further, Malaya stressed that other travelers not classified as OFWs must shoulder the expenses for their COVID-19 tests and bills in the quarantine facilities.

With the new policy, concerned citizens urged the LGUs to strictly monitor the country’s 42,046 barangays in the event OFWs qualified for home quarantine arrive in their jurisdiction.

The concern was raised as the public feared the spread of the virus with the entry of the new COVID-19 strain in the country will occur if the barangay officials are negligent of their duties.

A retired government employee of Quezon City, who requested anonymity, revealed that the case of persons under home quarantine roaming the streets is nothing new after being a first hand witness to such incidents.

He claimed that a rogue barangay official intentionally allowed those under home quarantine to leave their residents since they were his supporters in the election.

“I understand that due process should be followed with all the show-cause-orders (SCO) and chance to respond to the complaints. But the LGUs or concerned authorities may do away with that if the offense is very glaring. These negligent and corrupt barangay officials are also taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic where the LGUs are overwhelmed with their numerous tasks,’’ he noted.