ILOILO City – Returning residents stranded elsewhere in the country could expect new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) protocols.
Mayor Jerry Treñas is set to issue new guidelines on the entry of travelers following the planned removal of the city government’s swabbing booth at the Iloilo Airport in Cabataun, Iloilo.
“We will stop swabbing at the Iloilo Airport by end of February,” Treñas announced Monday.
According to the mayor, the funds allocated for the booth will be realigned to the procurement of equipment for the COVID-19 vaccination.
“We are realigning our funds for the purchase of equipment for our vaccination processes such as syringes and alcohols so we can start as soon as vaccines arrive,” Treñas said.
New protocols for travelers will be released as soon as they are approved, he added.
Meanwhile, Treñas revealed the City Health Office still keeps recording confirmed COVID-19 cases among returning residents.
To contain the spread of the viral illness, Treñas said the city government would require returnees to either undergo a 14-day quarantine or pay for the swab test come March this year.
The swab test at the airport was instituted December last year due to the influx of Ilonggos going home for holidays./PN
