El Nido Now Accepts Saliva Test Results for Travel Requirements

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(SPOT.ph) A number of local destinations may have reopened their borders to travelers, but that doesn't mean we can be complacent. There's still the risk of virus transmission, one way to regulate this is by having travelers take a COVID-19 test before going around. For El Nido in Palawan, travelers were initially required to present negative results of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test using swabs from the nose or throat. But an executive order released on March 5 announced that the province is now accepting the saliva test.

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The Department of Health on January 21 gave the Philippine Red Cross the go signal to start conducting saliva collection as an alternative specimen for the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, which is still considered the gold standard for testing pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. As of writing, there are 17 places in Metro Manila where you can have your saliva test.

The whole process of specimen collection takes about 10 minutes, but individuals are advised to be at the appointment venue at least 15 minutes before their schedule. Eating, drinking, gargling, smoking, or vaping 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment is prohibited as this may interfere with the sample’s content. It’s also best to not wear lipstick when heading to your appointment. It costs P2,000.

Here's the complete list of El Nido travel requirements:

• QR-coded tourist ID from El Nido Tourism's website
• Negative results of RT-PCR test (swab or saliva) taken within 72 hours (within 48 hours if entering via Puerto Princesa). Printed copy shall be presented upon arrival.
• Confirmed booking from a Department of Tourism-accredited accommodation establishment
• Tour itinerary booked from accredited travel agency
• StaySafe app on your mobile phone

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Source: Spot PH