BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on first reading a measure that would require travelers arriving in this city to fill up a health declaration card in a bid to strengthen border quarantine measures against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Councilor Cindy Rojas, chairperson of the SP’s committee on health, introduced the “Bacolod City Health Declaration Card Ordinance.” It will enjoin all airlines, shipping lines, hotels, and other establishments in this city to require all of their passengers and guests to accurately provide their travel history regarding whether they have visited COVID-19-stricken countries over the past 14 days before entry.
Rojas said there is a need for an effective mechanism in order to combat infectious disease in order to protect the people of Bacolod.
“The City recognizes the importance of accurate medical information in combating viral or infectious emerging and re-emerging diseases in the City of Bacolod considering that there is a high chance that travelers unknowingly may be carriers of such unwanted virus or disease,” Rojas stressed.
She added the outbreak of infectious diseases is very alarming, citing a World Health Organization report stating that millions or individuals around the globe are affected, which results to death every year./PN
