Taiwan Releases Updated Quarantine Rules for Travellers from the Philippines

Got a flight scheduled to Taiwan in the near future, especially for work or other essential purposes? Well, here’s some good news: for travellers from the Philippines have recently been eased! 

In an announcement posted on 4 November 2020, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that these Pinoy travellers entering Taiwan will no longer be required to complete their 14-day quarantine in a government facility upon arrival. 

Everything you need to know about these updated

These latest quarantine rules from Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center will be effective on 9 November 2020. The government agency states that asymptomatic travellers from the Philippines can complete their mandatory two-week quarantine and additional seven-day health management (right after the aforementioned quarantine) in their own homes.

If these travellers show zero flu-like symptoms after these measures, then they will be allowed to enter Taiwan without undergoing COVID-19 testing. 

Meanwhile, those who reveal symptoms within 14 days before their trip (including those who have taken medication by themselves) should actively inform the airport quarantine personnel in Taiwan. They will then have to undergo the following: two RT-PCR swab tests; and staying in a government-designated quarantine facility while awaiting test results. 

Though, it’s important to note that these measures from the command centre are applicable mainly to migrant workers and overseas students from the Philippines. As of writing, it is not yet clear whether or not these also apply to tourists or leisure travellers. 

Why the change of rules for travellers from the Philippines?

The command centre cites the ‘slowdown’ of reported COVID-19 cases in the Philippines as the reason for this revision. According to their announcement, cases in our country have peaked in June, but have been gradually declining since mid-August.

Furthermore, the Philippines recorded its lowest COVID-19 infections in three months. As of 4 November, there have only been 987 reported new cases. Although, these numbers are likely affected by delayed reports from some testing labs. After all, there was the recent calamity that is Super Typhoon Rolly. 

Also read: Taiwan Is Extending Visa-Free Entry for Filipinos Until 2021

You’ve probably already heard that Taiwan is among the safest countries to be in during this pandemic. In fact, the country marked its 200th day of having zero locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases last 29 October. Granted, this is mostly thanks to their government’s sense of urgency with preventive health and safety measures; as well as the citizens’ cooperation and due diligence.