Many people involved in the food industry worldwide have no idea of (and/or no inclination to follow) guidelines on food safety and personal hygiene. So what hope that proper methodology will be used in the quarantine process.

 

I am not sure what forms of testing are available in the country but, sure, you are correct that a test performed days before they fly will have little bearing on their Covid-19 status if they mix with others in the intervening days. It will only eliminate those definitely infected at the time - which is, of course, a good thing.

If I had to design a methodology, I would say:

1. Test a few days before flying - enough time to get results back (and, obviously, eliminate the positives from flying).
2. Put the tested persons in guarded individual quarantine for those few days (families together). In fact, they should already be in quarantine and the swab taken there.
3. Test temperature and check other signs (e.g. coughs) and then take them, fully showered and in fresh clothes and mask, to the airport in a bus with social distancing.
4. Either re-do the test on arrival and quarantine until results are available or put them in guarded quarantine upon arrival for 14 days.

It might seem that if steps 1 to 3 are performed accurately then step 4 is not required - but better to be water-tight as test results are, I believe, not 100% correct. The putting of families together is a risk, but young children simply cannot be traumatised by being held separately. I suppose, therefore, that families who quarantined together in stage 2 should have to do stage 4 on arrival.

 

Go to NIATF fb page. They have issued guidance on what will happen at both ends of the repatriation journey and allowing LGUs to enhance if they wish:

 

don't forget that the testing will cost you thousands of pesos. at least a significant higher price than what a test kit costs originally. happens already in other places. business? as usual. in exceptional times...

 

I imagine foreigners, once again, taking a beating for some being able to afford the
test. Personally, I would pay for an antivirus but certainly not for a “do I have it” injection. Get real.

 

Does this mean me being over 60 I'm allowed to go out for exercise walking? From what I understand after reading this is us old guys just not allowed on playing courts. I'm going crazy locked up like this.

 

60 years and above is considered elderly. I never thought of me as being ELDERLY. Dang now I'm triggered (lol).

 

Wife got her Philippine senior citizen card at 60 and her US SSI at 62. She automatically got Phil Health at 60 as a senior CITIZEN.