Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) – All confirmed mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in the country are now required to isolate in government-approved facilities, except those who are vulnerable or have comorbidities as certified by a local health officer.
The directive is part of Resolution No. 74 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases signed on Thursday.
Confirmed mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients that are vulnerable or with comorbidities can undergo home isolation that should meet the requirements under Annex F of the Joint Administrative Order No. 2020-0001 issued by the Department of Health and the Department of Interior and Local Government.
Also exempted in this rule are confirmed mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients in areas where the government-recognized isolation centers are in full capacity.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año first floated the proposal of a home quarantine ban for COVID-19 patients in an interview with CNN Philippines last September 8, citing the establishment of numerous quarantine facilities around the country and some hotels also serving as isolation centers.
COVID-19 National Task Force chief implementer Carlito Galvez supported Año’s suggestion to disallow home quarantine because of the positive developments in areas implementing a “no home quarantine” policy.
