BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Travelling to Cebu from Negros Island?
Travelers from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental would be required to present negative results of their reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests taken not more than 72 hours prior to departure beginning today, June 14.
Cebu’s Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia issued an executive order keeping a tight rein on the entry of residents from Bohol and the twin Negros provinces where coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases are on the rise.
Garcia pointed out that Negros Oriental ranked number two out of 128 provinces or cities in the country with active COVID-19 cases. Negros Occidental was also included in the travel restrictions due to its contiguity with the former.
Travelers may also opt to present a negative rapid antigen test result taken not more than 48 hours before leaving their home province, Garcia added.
She explained that the Department of Health (DOH) would take responsibility for conducting rapid antigen tests on all persons traveling to Cebu province who do not possess either the RT-PCR or the antigen test results.
The Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard, meanwhile, have been directed to assist the DOH in screening travelers.
The executive order would last until July 24, unless further extended./PN
