DOH defends lifting quarantine for fully vaxxed travelers

On Saturday, Dr. Tony Leachon disagreed with the government's decision to lift facility-based quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated travelers and returning overseas Filipinos starting February 1.

Leachon argued that other countries implementing similar policies still require at least a rapid antigen test and emphasized that breakthrough infections can occur even in vaccinated individuals.

In response, Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje defended the IATF's decision during a Laging Handa briefing, stating that easing entry restrictions will help accelerate economic recovery while conditions are improving due to vaccination efforts.