The country's aviation regulator on Friday has lifted quarantine protocols for flight and crew members returning to Manila to mitigate airline staff shortages.
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said that the updated protocol was to avoid significant disruptions to workforce and operation of the airlines.
"Quarantine protocols have now been further adjusted for flight and cabin crew members returning to the Philippines, including those with layovers in the country," according to the CAAP statement.
CAAP stated that flight and crew members are no longer required to undergo mandatory facility-based quarantine, but will self-monitor for any signs or symptoms of Covid-19.
It added that the air operators must ensure compliance with the relevant public health regulations, policies and established measures.
Also, transportation must 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.
At accommodation, the CAAP said, only one crew member will be allowed to stay per hotel room, contact with other crew members is prohibited. Use of hotel common areas are also not allowed.
Crew members that are suspected Covid-19 positive and those experiencing Covid-19 symptoms during layover or in transit must immediately report to the air operator and seek medical assessment for monitoring and will be transferred immediately to their residence.
The air operator will arrange the transportation for crew members, who have negative results, to their residence.
CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said, before, the cabin crew and pilots are required to a long quarantine restrictions which have affected airline operations. And during the airline staff quarantine restrictions, air operators will be needing additional staff to augment its manpower which is too costly.
According to CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco said the protocols have been established in response to Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade's directive to address the current insufficiency of manpower faced by the local air operators due to the possibility of flight crew being exposed to Covid-19 positive individuals requiring quarantine.
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