IATF to discuss Cebu policy allowing entry of unvaxxed foreigners —Palace

The Inter-Agency Task Force will tackle the policy of Cebu province that allows the entry of unvaccinated foreigners, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said on Thursday

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Nograles was asked if the IATF has the jurisdiction to act on the policy, considering that it is not aligned with that of the national government.

“This is something na pag-uusapan namin sa [we will talk about in] IATF,” he said.

In an executive order effective March 1, the provincial government said unvaccinated foreigners will only have to comply with the following requirements:

• present a negative RT-PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure from the country of origin
• undergo swab test upon arrival at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
• undergo a facility-based quarantine until the release of their second RT-PCR test result taken on the fifth day

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia still advised foreigners who have yet to be vaccinated to receive the shot against COVID-19.

“Unvaccinated foreign nationals are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated during their stay in Cebu,” the EO read.

“The single-dose Janssen vaccine shall be made available by the Department of Health for unvaccinated foreign nationals,” it added. — BM, GMA News