In an obvious attempt to revive tourism and help spur economic activities, the IATF has decided to allow interzonal travel of fully vaccinated individuals on areas under GCQ and MECQ restrictions.
MINORS and fully vaccinated individuals regardless of age hoping to travel from Metro Manila are now allowed on a point-to-point (P2P) basis according to the Department of Tourism.
In an online press conference, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that interzonal travel from the National Capital Region to areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ is now allowed under a new provision.
The Inter-Agency Task Force amended Part 1 Section 3 of the guidelines for areas under alert level 4 to allow the following persons to travel in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ:
- Those below 18 years old;
- Fully vaccinated individuals over 65 years of age;
- Fully vaccinated individuals with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks; and
- Fully vaccinated pregnant women
"Further easing of travel restrictions will allow more of our fully vaccinated individuals to enjoy interzonal travel, especially families who wish to travel together,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.
“More importantly, this will encourage more Filipinos to secure their jabs as well."
The government hopes to start the vaccination of adults in the general population and minors this October 15 starting in NCR before expanding to other areas and regions.
Vaccination of minors in the country covers children aged 12 to 17.
DOT is also expected to release the guidelines for P2P travel that will still comply with the current health and safety protocols.
The agency’s subsidized P750 RT-PCR test is still available from the Philippine Children’s Medical Center through www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel-application if the destination requires a negative test result.
Before the amendment, the IATF eased the rules on interzonal travel for fully vaccinated persons, including senior citizens, where they are only required to present proof of their complete Covid-19 vaccination.
In accordance with the World Health Organization, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose for a 2 dose vaccine or 2 weeks after a single dose vaccine.
Tags: #tourism#SecRomuloPuyat, #interzonaltravel# economy