JORDAN, Guimaras – A surge in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections has prompted the provincial government of Guimaras to again tighten control of its borders.
Gov. Samuel Gumarin issued Executive Order (EO) No. 23, series of 2021 adopting additional measures. He did not want the province’s limited quarantine facilities and medical personnel overwhelmed, he explained.
As of May 28, Guimaras recorded a total of 512 confirmed cases of COVID-19 where 88 were active cases, 416 have recovered and eight have died, data from the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 showed.
The Provincial Health Office offered slightly different figures – 75 active cases, 452 recoveries and eight deaths.
Under EO 23, the Jordan Wharf, Buenavista Wharf and the Ro-Ro Wharf in Hoskyn, Jordan are the only ports of entry to the province.
Meanwhile, Sebaste Wharf in the Municipality of Sibunag, Puyo Wharf in Nueva Valencia and Tacay Wharf in Buenavista town shall be opened for trading/cargo purposes only.
Sea vessels plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route, vice versa shall operate from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.
“We have to act fast. Additional measures are needed para makontrol ang transmission,” said Gumarin.
Only essential inbound / outbound travels are allowed such as: transport of basic commodities and necessities, emergency cases, medical follow up and exercise of profession.
“Limitado ang aton kapasidad that is why as early as we can, we have to stop the spread of this virus,” Gumarin said.
Individuals positive of COVID-19 and show symptoms referable to the disease shall be denied entry into the province.
Returning or visiting persons from outside Western Visayas shall present a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test result.
According to Gumarin, business establishments except for hospital and funeral parlors are only allowed to operate from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m. only.
Public utility vehicles can operate from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. only.
Mass gatherings for whatever purpose are strictly prohibited.
Dine-in services at food establishments in the province are likewise suspended./PN
