PH places Portugal in red list; sets new protocols for inbound Filipinos from red list countries

The government's pandemic task force has escalated Portugal to the red list category starting December 12, 2021, Malacañang announced Friday.

In his press briefing on December 10, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said all passengers who have been to Portugal within 14 days before their arrival to the Philippines will not be allowed to enter the country regardless of vaccination status starting December 15, 2021.

Only Filipinos returning to the country via government-initiated repatriation, non-government-initiated repatriation, and Bayanihan Flights may be allowed entry.

With the addition of Portugal, there are now 16 territories under the Philippines' red list.

New testing and quarantine protocols

With the addition of Portugal to the red list, the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has also come up with new testing and quarantine protocols for Filipinos coming from red-listed territories.

Fully vaccinated passengers must:

• Present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight to the Philippines
• Undergo facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 7th day from the date of their arrival
• Observe home quarantine until the 14th day if they are discharged from the facility upon the release of a negative RT-PCR test

For passengers who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, and whose vaccination status cannot be verified:

• Present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight to the Philippines
• Complete a 10-day facility-based quarantine with an RT-PCR test taken on the 7th day from the date of their arrival
• Observe home quarantine until the 14th day

Minors must follow the protocols set for their parent or guardian. However, children aged three and below are not required to present a negative RT-PCR test result before boarding the flight unless they are symptomatic.

Meanwhile, Nograles said passengers who arrived prior to December 12, 2021, and are currently undergoing quarantine shall complete the testing and quarantine protocols in effect at the time of their arrival.