Palace halts LSI travel to 5 PH destinations due to facility limits

Malacañang announced a temporary halt on sending Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) to five destinations in the southern Philippines due to limited quarantine facility capacity.

The moratorium affects Western Visayas, Cebu Island, Mactan, Eastern Visayas, and the Caraga Region, with Caraga specifically citing a lack of quarantine space.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that LSIs are no longer required to undergo PCR testing before traveling back to their hometowns.

Instead, LSIs are now only required to present a medical certificate and will undergo PCR testing upon arrival at their destination.

If the destination's local government unit cannot conduct PCR testing, LSIs will be subjected to a 14-day quarantine period.

This clarification came after some LSIs were stranded in Manila due to a misunderstanding about the PCR testing requirement for travel.

The government has facilitated the return of over 34,000 LSIs following the death of one LSI while waiting for transportation home.

These returning LSIs were temporarily housed, underwent COVID-19 testing, and received financial and essential kits from the DSWD.

The National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 is coordinating efforts to assist both LSIs and repatriated OFWs.