Over 4,000 OFWs stranded in Metro Manila due to Red Cross swab test halt

Over 4,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to the Philippines are stranded in Metro Manila due to the Philippine Red Cross suspending swab testing.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that around 4,000 OFWs are unable to return to their provinces because of the suspension.

PhilHealth's response to the swab tests conducted by PRC has affected both returning OFWs and those in government quarantine facilities.

The number of OFWs able to go home daily dropped from 1,000-3,000 to around 300 due to the testing halt.

DOH released new guidelines stating that Filipinos returning from countries with low or moderate COVID-19 cases and no symptoms do not need swab tests or quarantine if coming from such places.