The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced Friday, Feb. 18, that quarantine protocols have been further adjusted for flight and cabin crew members of all airlines who are returning to the Philippines, including those with layovers in the country.
CAAP issued Memorandum Circulars 06-2022 and 07-2022 last February 7 which sought to mitigate personnel shortages and avoid significant disruptions to workforce and operations.
Under the new guidelines, CAAP said that flight and crew members are no longer required to undergo mandatory facility-based quarantine, but shall self-monitor for any signs or symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"Air Operators must ensure compliance with the relevant public health regulations, policies and established measures," it stated.
CAPP said that transportation must also be arranged by the air operator between the aircraft and the crew's hotel rooms if needed while ensuring the observance of physical distancing and other health protocols.
During accommodation, CAAP said only one crew member will be allowed to stay per hotel room while contact with other crew members is prohibited. Use of hotel common areas are also not allowed.
"Suspected COVID-19 positive crew members and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms during layover or in transit must immediately report to the air operator and seek medical assessment for monitoring. They shall be repatriated by appropriate mode of transportation to their domicile/residence," CAAP stressed.
"For crew members who have been found COVID-19 negative through evaluation in accordance with the said procedures, the air operator may arrange their transportation to their domicile/residence," it added.
Captain Jim Sydiongco, CAAP director general, said that the adjusted protocols have been established in response to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade's directive to address the current insufficiency of manpower faced by local air operators due to the possibility of flight crew being exposed to COVID-positive individuals requiring quarantine.