Firstaide Diagnostics Swabbing at NAIA & Philippine Ports - FIRST AIDE RT-PCR SWABBING OPERATION for ARRIVING OFWs & Seafarers

UPDATES AS OF 06 SEPTEMBER 2021

One-Stop-Shop for Seafarers (OSS) Reminders to all LMAs 

In reference to the Meeting convened by the One-Stop-Shop for Seafarers last 06 September 2021, we are sharing with you the following reminders and requirements by the OSS which all LMAs must follow for the arrival of seafarers for your information and guidance:

For the guidance of everyone, here is the swab and release process in an ideal scenario wherein the crew was swabbed on the 5th or 7th day, as the case may be. Please note that the BoQ unified certificate is the only document that's required in order for the crew to be released from quarantine.

 

For the swab result, the lab will forward this to BoQ and should only be released to the crew at the same time as the BoQ unified certificate or after.

The BoQ unified certificate will be uploaded to the One Health Pass app.

For Philippine-vaccinated crew or vaccinated crew coming from green countries with BoQ certification:

·        Swab - 5th day

·        Release of BoQ unified certificate - 6-10pm on the 6th day

·        Check out from QF - 7th day

 

For non-vaccinated crew coming from non-restricted countries:

·        Swab - 7th day

·        Release of BoQ unified certificate- 6-10pm on the 9th day

·        Check out from QF - 10th day

For crew coming from restricted countries:

·        Swab - 7th day

·        Release of BoQ unified certificate - 6-10pm on the 13th day

·        Check out from QF - 14th day

It is very important that the crew register in OHP prior to boarding from the country of origin in compliance to BoQ memo 2021-13.

Furthermore, FirstAide e-CIF should also be accomplished before arrival or 1 day after arrival, at the latest.

Crew should pass by the FirstAide booth in NAIA or Eva Macapagal terminal to submit photocopy of their seaman's book with attestation. Failure to do so will mean delays in the process.

In order to avoid delays in swabbing, the LMAs are requested to check upon arrival of the crew if they have registered in One Health Pass, FirstAide e-CIF and if they passed by the FirstAide booth to submit their seaman's book with attestation.

If they have not done so, please advise them to comply within 1 day upon arrival.

Source: 

JOINT MANNING GROUP (JMG)

Memorandum-Circular No. 113-21

UPDATE AS OF 21 JULY 2021

ADVISORY FROM FIRSTAIDE ON THE RT-PCR TESTING OF ARRIVING FILIPINO SEAFARERS

It has been noted that there were more than 170 crewmembers who arrived since July 12 and were not swabbed on the 7th day due to failure in passing by FirstAide booth in NAIA terminals to provide copies of their seaman's book. Furthermore, they have not registered in FirstAide e-CIF.

 

In order to address the delays, kindly contact your crew to make sure that they have registered and have provided the SRB. In case they haven't, please immediately advise them to do so.

 

For the forthcoming arrivals, please ensure that the below-described process will be followed.

 

Further note that in addition to the registration in FirstAide E-CIF, they also need to register in One Health Pass.

 

We are hoping for your kind attention and prompt action on this matter for the timely swabbing and release of our seafarers from quarantine.

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This is to REMIND you that Firstaide Diagnostics will be handling the RT PCR testing of specimen for all seafarers that arrived July 12 onwards.

 

Below are the guidelines to FOLLOW for your crew to be INCLUDED for swabbing .

1) Pass by Firstaide Booth upon disembarkation of seafarers at all terminals of NAIA or at Eva Macapagal Super Terminal (EMST) at Pier 15, Port Area, Mla. to register SRB and attestation.

 

2) Fill up the eCIF found in https://ecif.firstaide.ph/pre#/ within 24 hours from arrival with complete and correct information.

 

We ABSOLUTELY CANNOT serve you without the SEAMANS BOOK and ECIF.

 

These 2 steps are REQUIRED to avoid any delays and have our seafarers get home safely to their families.

 

Let us all do our share in following the procedures to avoid delays.

UPDATE as of 12 May 2021

Watch above video related to One Stop Shop (OSS) Coordination Meeting Agenda: New guidelines concerning ship manning agents / agencies and Filipino seafarers.

 

1. Implementation of IATF Resolution 114 (7th Day Swab; 9th day release of Results: 10th Day release of Pax to LGUs) 

2. International Arrival Capacity for MIAA, Cebu and Clark 

3. One Hotel Command 4. Balikpinas.ph and e-CIF Concerns / Health Declaration Registration - an online platform of One Stop Shop (OSS) for the registration and administration of Returning Overseas Filipinos and other persons for CoVID-19 testing and response.

UPDATE as of 11 May 2021

ANNOUNCEMENT

Now that Firstaide's contract with PPA has expired, all arriving seafarers will NOW be tested for COVID-19 by the participating Government Laboratories. Therefore, please advise your seafarers to register with Bureau of Quarantine's One Health Pass (OHP) platform through https://www.balikpinas.ph for their COVID-19 testing. If they have registered previously with the Firstaide's online registration, they need to register again with balikpinas.ph in order to receive a new QR Code for the COVID-19 testing with the Government Laboratories. The testing remains free of charge.

The balikpinas.ph is integrated to the new ONE HEALTH DECLARATION REGISTRATION of the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) for the effective management of quarantine protocols and issuance of UNIFIED RTPCR Test and BOQ Certificate.

All arriving passengers may register at the https://www.balikpinas.ph.

Source: firstaide.schedule@gmail.com

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UPDATE as of 05 May 2021

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NOTICE

TO : OSS FOR SEAFARERS HEADS & SECRETARIATS IN BATAAN, PORT OF MANILA, AND BATANGAS

SUBJECT : AUTHORIZED RT-PCR MOLECULAR LABORATORY FOR OFFSIGNING CREW IN BATAAN, MANILA AND BATANGAS

DATE : 05 May 2021

This is with reference to the guidance of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and announcement of First Aide Diagnostics (FAD) regarding the depletion of the initially allocated Bayanihan 2 Funds for the free testing of Filipino offsigners.

It is noted by PPA that the FAD remains to be its authorized molecular laboratory for Filipino offsigners. Furthermore, please be informed that this Department is currently working on the extension of the free testing services through the utilization of the remaining Bayanihan 2 Funds allocated to the Maritime Sector.

In view of the foregoing, kindly advise the shipping agents and licensed manning agencies operating within Bataan, Manila, and Batangas to negotiate the payment terms with FAD meantime the transfer of additional funds for the free testing is being processed. All Filipino offsigners, arriving either via sea or air, can still avail of the free testing until funds under Bayanihan 2 is fully depleted or until 30 June 2021, whichever comes first.

Please be guided accordingly.

VADM NARCISO A VINGSON JR

Assistant Secretary for Maritime

cc: Office of the Secretary, This Department

OTS, PCG, PPA, CPA and MARINA

Copy of Signed Notice:

UPDATE / ANNOUNCEMENT AS OF 09 MARCH 2021

To All Seafarers:

Kindly register in Firstaide.ph within 24 hours for your swabbing to ensure that you will be swabbed on your 5th day schedule.

Search firstaide.ph in Google or any kind of browser.

In case you will be transferred into different hotel kindly send message at: 

        0956 532 6055

        0956 532 6041 

or send e-mail at firstaide.rtpcr@gmail.com

UPDATE/ANNOUNCEMENT AS OF 24 FEBRUARY 2021

For those seafarers arriving via Clark International Airport, once you reach your designated Metro Manila Quarantine facilities, you can be swabbed or tested on the 5th day upon arrival at the same hotels by contacting Firstaide Diagnostics through the following information: 

firstaide.rtpcr@gmail.com | 09565326055 

Note: Don't forget to pre-register your e-CIF on or before DAY 2 through this link: https://ecif.firstaide.ph/pre

and show a copy of your seaman’s record book for verification upon arrival.

Source: FirstAide Diagnostics Facebook Page

Retrieved 26 Feb. 2021

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UPDATE AS OF 23 FEBRUARY 2021

Firstaide Diagnostics would like to provide you with speedy, reliable, and accurate results. That's why they are following strict health and safety protocols set by the National Government and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

Above are the guidelines for their test processing and distribution.

This process is applicable for passengers arriving at the following ports:

NAIA Terminal 1

NAIA Terminal 2

NAIA Terminal 3

Orion, Bataan

Batangas Port

EVA Macapagal, Port area

- For inquiries on 5th day swabbing, kindly email firstaide.rtpcr@gmail.com or call us at 09565326055 / 09565326041.

- For concerns regarding test results, kindly email to followup@firstaide.ph or call 09967039570.

- For BOQ certificate kindly click the link https://quarantinecertificate.com/

For Guidance check out: 

How To Get BOQ Quarantine Certificate Online - For OFWs & Arriving Filipinos - Step By Step Video Guide

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UPDATE AS OF 18 FEBRUARY 2021

Information Source: MARINA Airport personnel

Advisory to all Seafarers

In case you will be transferred into another hotel, kindly call / text these numbers:

        0956 532 6055

      0956 532 6041

or send e-mail at:

        firstaide.rtpcr@gmail.com

This is to ensure that you will be swabbed (RT-PCR Test) on your 5th Day schedule

______________

UPDATE AS OF 1 FEBRUARY 2021

Please be informed that effective February 1, 2021, FirstAide Diagnostics together with PCG will no longer perform swabbing for seafarers at all airport terminals and seaport terminals on their arrival date or Day One. 

However, FirstAide Diagnostics will continue to be at all Manila International Airport terminals, Eva Macapagal Terminal,  Port of Orion and Port of Batangas for verification and documentation and scheduling of swabbing to be performed on Day Five(5). 

For faster, efficient processing and convenience of our seafarers, please preregister online while still abroad thru https://ecif.firstaide.ph/pre#/

FOR FOLLOW-UP OF RESULTS:

_________________

Source: Capt Jeff Solon of Marina Maritime Affairs Office

            

Also this advisory was sent by FirstAide Diagnostics <firstaide.schedule@gmail.com> to all Local Manning Agents (LMA) by e-mail - On 02/01/2021 8:34 pm

  

_________________

TG MROF OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PROCESSING OF ARRIVING OFWs EFFECTIVE O1 FEB 2021

FOR OFWs

1. While abroad, register online thru   https://c19.redcross.org.ph/arriving-passengers for landbased OFWs and https://ecif.firstaide.ph/#/ for seafarers and secure your QR Code.

2. Bureau of quarantine collects the accomplished health declaration form to all passengers.  BOQ medical officer and staffs evaluates arriving OFWs/ROFs for any signs of infection declared as Public Health of International concern (PHEIC) like COVID 19 through thermal scanning, Health Declaration Checklist (HDC) review and physical examination

3. Briefing on health and safety protocols upon arrival at NAIA by Philippine Coast Guard. Secure and fill-out OWWA Project Care Form.

4. Proceed to Bureau of Immigration for clearance prior to retrieval of luggage(s).

5. Proceed to OWWA arrival counter and submit the Project Care Form. For seafarers, proceed to MARINA Help Desk. 

6. For land-based OFWs, your accommodation will be provided free of charge by OWWA. For sea-based OFWs, your Local Manning Agency (LMA) will arrange for your hotel accommodation/quarantine facility. Note that your date of arrival is Day 1.

7. Board designated OWWA buses to your assigned quarantine facilities/hotels and observe strict quarantine procedure while thereat.

8. On Day 6, Philippine Coast Guard will conduct the RT-PCR swab test at the hotel/quarantine facility. Continue observing strict quarantine procedure while waiting for results.

9. Upon receipt of negative RT-PCR test results online, expect to receive Bureau of Quarantine Health Certificate indicating the actual number of days on quarantine.

10. Wait for advice and prepare to leave the hotel using OWWA assigned buses. For seabased OFWs, your LMA will arrange for your transportation to PITX or NAIA Terminal 2.

11. For Luzon bound, proceed to PITX in Paranague and for Visayas and Mindanao bound including Palawan proceed to NAIA PAL Terminal 2 for processing. 

12. Fill-out necessary forms and wait for check-in announcement.

13. Proceed to pre-departure area and wait for boarding announcement.

14. Upon arrival at airport of destination, report to RTF/PTF/OWWA Station or LGU for accounting and instructions. 

15. RTF/PTF or LGU will provide free transportation to LGU of final destination.

16. Complete the remainder of your quarantine (total of 14days) at the city/municipal/barangay quarantine facility, or at home if permitted by your LGU.

17. Once released from quarantine by LGU, continue to observe minimum health standards like wearing of face mask, maintaining physical distance and washing of hands. Also, always keep your immune system high by having enough sleep, eating the correct food and doing regular physical exercise.

_____________________

Last July, a 'One-Stop Shop' facility was established for the safe and swift travel of seafarers and to facilitate a speedy crew change with the help of Firstaide Diagnostics to better aid local testing requirements.

In partnership with the PPA and the DOTr, this initiative can contribute to help secure uninterrupted global trade during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Please be informed that Firstaide is now in operation to swab seafarers in NAIA Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. FIRSTAIDE Is now ready to swab all OFF-SIGNING FILIPINO SEAFARERS, entering thru our AIRPORTS and SEAPORTS for FREE.

Other locations

1. Eva Macapagal Terminal, Pier 15 South Harbor 

2. Port of Orion, Bataan

3. Port of Batangas 

Soon to open also in other majors SEAPORTS 

In view of this, seafarers & OFWs are advised to pre-register  before departure from their point of origin to avoid any inconveniences upon arrival at NAIA

OFFsigning Filipino Seafarers 

Please submit in advance

1. Name of Seafarer 

2. Schedule of arrival and flight no. 

3. Scanned copy of Seaman's book 

Send to email address  firstaide.schedule@gmail.com 

Please advise your seafarers/crew to accomplish their E-CIF before departing from their aiports of origin by accessing our website firstaide.ph or https://ecif.firstaide.ph/pre#/

 

 

Also, for the convenience of all OFF-SIGNING FILIPINO SEAFARERS, entering thru our AIRPORTS,  kindly book in advance the requirements for their FREE testing thru firstaide.schedule@gmail.com 

DIRECT YOUR QUESTIONS:

FirstAide Diagnostics

Facebook Page:   https://www.facebook.com/firstaidediagnostics.ph/

Monday to Saturday 6 AM to 3 PM

Hotlines:  

               0920 902 3417

               0917 564 8638  

Monday to Sunday 3 PM to 6 AM

Hotline :  0945 986 0794  

e-mail: accounts@firstaide.ph

         : firstaide.schedule@gmail.com 

         :  firstaide.ph@gmail.com

  

Firstaide Diagnostics is the only accredited Molecular Microbiology Diagnostic laboratory (Biosafety Level 2) COVID-19 Testing Facility by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), commissioned by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to be a One-Stop-Shop to accommodate inbound and outbound travel requirements for seafarers, as part of the Green Lane initiative for the purpose of facilitating crew changes for the Philippine market.

They  provide end-to-end PCR testing, including on-site mobile swabbing services and results processing. We are equipped with abGenix - Automated Nucleic Acid Purification System, which provides rapid extraction via streamlined work processes utilizing Magnetic Pillar Rod technology while promoting reliable results fit for sensitive downstream applications; and abCyclerQ (real-time PCR system) to ensure accurate data analysis.

RELATED INFORMATION:

• How To Get BOQ Quarantine Certificate Online - For OFWs & Arriving Filipinos - Step By Step Video Guide

• OWWA ASSISTANCE TO RETURNING SEAFARERS - OWWA To Pay Hotel & Food During The Seafarers’ Stay in a Hotel For Isolation While Waiting for their RT-PCR Swab Test Results

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