Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat appeals for a price cap on the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and antigen tests for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to enhance tourism revival, as the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases relaxes travel restrictions in areas under general community quarantine.
“The DOT supports the call to impose a price cap on RT-PCR and antigen testing to make traveling an affordable option for all. While the DOT acknowledges and puts paramount importance on the safety of visitors, locals, and the tourism workforce, the department likewise finds it imperative to address the urgent need to impose a price cap on these accepted COVID-19 testing methods to promote domestic tourism, which in turn can generate employment and stimulate economic recovery,” Romulo-Puyat said.
In a bid to attract more travelers to help bring back jobs and livelihood to tourism areas, the tourism chief has asked for cooperation among the Department of Health-accredited testing facilities to make the tests more affordable.
“We likewise appeal to the accredited test centers to provide budget-friendly but credible COVID-19 diagnostic tests.”
“We likewise appeal to the accredited test centers to provide budget-friendly but credible COVID-19 diagnostic tests,” the tourism head said.
The IATF-EID has authorized the DOT to take the helm in accrediting procedures, facilities, and activities, as well as set determining operating capacities for tourism establishments.
This is concerning the issuance of Resolution No. 79 on eased interzonal and intrazonal travel restrictions and prescribed minimum health standards amidst the public health challenges posed by COVID-19.