Boracay requires saliva tests from tourists to avoid spread of COVID-19
The scorching heat of the sun during the dry season here in the Philippines will make you want to cool-off somewhere nice. Boracay Islands is a popular tourist destination, not only for local travelers but for foreigners as well. The pristine and clear waters combined with the fine white sand are a spectacular sight.
Tourists can now submit a saliva test result when traveling to Boracay
However, everyone must still practice caution since we are still experiencing a surge of active cases of COVID-19. The government remains strict in terms of local travel so you still have to undergo health protocols and submit document requirements.
Before, Boracay required tourists to present negative results of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test using swabs from the nose or throat. But the good thing is, there’s a travel advisory that they are now allowing saliva tests for the procedure!
As of March 18, these are the requirements if you’re planning to have a summer getaway in Boracay:
- negative results of either a swab-based RT-PCR test or saliva-based RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours
- confirmed booking at an accredited accommodation establishment and roundtrip tickets
- valid IDs
- tourist QR code
What to know about this saliva testing?
PRC lead researcher Michael Tee explained that the saliva-based testing’s accuracy rate is at 98.23 percent. The specimen is tested through the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Note that this is still considered the gold standard for identifying specific pathogens like SARS-CoV-2.
The Department of Health gave the Philippine Red Cross the go signal to start conducting saliva collection as an alternative specimen. As of the moment, we have more than 20 places in Metro Manila that perform saliva tests on individuals.
The entire process of specimen collection takes about 10 minutes, but you must get to the venue 15 minutes before your schedule. You must also refrain from eating, drinking, gargling, smoking, or vaping 30 minutes before the saliva test. These activities may affect the sample’s content. For ladies, you probably avoid wearing lipstick before your appointment. Lastly, this test will cost you PHP 2,000.
What are your thoughts on this alternative?
