CAPIZ – Upon the recommendation of the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force, Gov. Esteban Evan Contreras ordered that a negative RT-PCR (reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction) test result will again be required of all persons travelling to Capiz from outside Panay Island, regardless of vaccination status, starting Jan. 10.
This move aims to stem the rising number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in the province.
Also, all inbound travelers are requested to undergo voluntary home quarantine for at least seven days upon their arrival.
All applications for S-PaSS (Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage) from Jan. 10 onwards have been cancelled pending submission of negative RT-PCR result from a specimen taken not later than 72 hours prior to travel.
“We have to remain vigilant. I urge everyone to continue practicing the minimum public health standards. Wear facemask properly. Practice physical distancing at all times. Wash your hands when you touch anything,” said Contreras.
The new protocol on inbound travelers were stipulates under Executive Order (EO) No. 001-2022 amending EO No. 28-B prescribing the implementation of restrictions under Alert Level 2.
It also requires all vulnerable population, especially the unvaccinated, to remain at home except when obtaining essential goods and services.
The EO also mandates that all public and private establishments shall require all persons to present a vaccination certificate or card.
Operation of cockpits and cockfighting are prohibited, except e-sabong authorized by the Inter-Agency Task Force or Office of the President.
Public consumption of liquor is also prohibited.
The EO further stated that eligible employees in all public and private establishments should be vaccinated.
Employees who are not vaccinated shall submit a negative RT-PCR test result every 14 days. Those who cannot will not be allowed to report to work.
Contreras also ordered all public establishments, including national government agencies and local government units, to submit a list of employees and their vaccination status within 30 days to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office while all private establishments shall submit a list of all employees and their vaccination status to the Business Processing and Licensing Office (BPLO) of their local government unit./PN
