THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said flight and cabin crew members returning to the Philippines are no longer required to undergo mandatory and facility-based quarantine.
In a statement on Friday, the CAAP released updated quarantine protocols for flying airline workers to avoid personnel shortage and workforce disruptions.
With no mandatory quarantine, returning flight crew members will only need to self-monitor for any signs or symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Other protocols include strict compliance with public health regulations and policies in all activities, including making transportation arrangements from the aircraft to the hotel.
For accommodation, only one crew member will be allowed to stay per hotel room and contact with other crew members while at the hotel is strictly prohibited.
Suspected COVID-19 positive crew members or those experiencing symptoms during a layover or in transit must be repatriated and monitored for medical assessment.
Meanwhile, crew members who test negative for COVID-19 negative can arrange their transportation to their residence.
The protocols were revised in response to address the insufficiency of manpower faced by local air operators due to the possibility of flight crew being exposed to COVID-19 positive individuals requiring quarantine, according to CAAP Director General Captain Jim C. Sydiongco. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson
