PRC urges gov't to maintain COVID-19 testing for all

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is urging the government to maintain COVID-19 testing requirements, even for fully vaccinated individuals, to prevent further transmission of the virus.

PRC chairman Richard Gordon emphasized the need for continuous testing to distinguish between healthy individuals and those infected with COVID-19.

Gordon stated that regular testing, isolation, treatment, and vaccination are crucial steps to effectively combat the virus and facilitate the safe reopening of the economy and schools.

This call comes in response to a recent Inter-Agency Task Force resolution that permits fully vaccinated interzonal travelers to use their vaccination cards instead of COVID-19 test results.

The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) supports the PRC's stance, arguing that vaccination does not provide absolute protection against the virus.

Currently, Baguio City is the sole local government unit that accepts vaccination cards as an alternative to negative swab test results for travelers.