DOH proposes for longer wait (7 to 8 days) before testing inbound travelers

The Health Department is proposing to wait for seven to eight days after travelers’ arrival in the country before they undergo COVID-19 testing to ensure accurate results.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire on Wednesday cited the findings of experts that waiting for 7 to 8 days after possible exposure is the optimal time since the viral load is at its peak during this period.

“On the 7th and 8th day nandoon ang pinakamataas na porsyento that a person who might have the disease might turn positive,” she said in a media briefing. “For us to have accurate test results at ma-isolate natin agad ang may sakit, ito ang ating nirerekomenda ngayon.”

The current protocol is to confine inbound travelers in a facility for six days, get them tested, and they can continue isolation in their hometowns or hotels until the 14-day requirement is met.

Dr. Edsel Salvana of the Department of Health Technical Advisory Group previously presented data that showed 80% of tests have positive results by the eighth day from the time of exposure to possible infection — much higher than the 62% positivity rate on the fifth day.

DOH has sent its recommendation to the Inter-Agency Task Force for discussion.