The cost of visiting Bohol these days

LET’S MAKE this personal. I know that people’s patience can only be extended so much. After a period, when patience has been stretched to its limits, it snaps. Then what?

I have been following with keen interest and written several articles about the development in Bohol after COVID-19 has inflicted the country and our fellowmen.

Bohol was in isolation for several months. A “No flight-No sail” policy was put in place. It earned praise because the policy put premium on the health of the Boholanos.

This was followed by the arrival of the LSIs and ROFs which also earned its unequal share of criticism and praise but mostly, criticism.

Then when the stinging impact of the loss in tourism was felt, Panglao opened its resorts to local tourists – meaning, Boholanos exclusively. Remember there was a standing ‘No flight-No sail’ policy.

Then came the much-promoted “travel bubble”, an invention of DOT to attract domestic tourists. Consequently, the tourists needed to follow a pre-planned set of activities during their stay.

All the while, Bohol had to strictly follow the travel requirements imposed by the NIATF, the province’s IATF, and city’s IATF.

Bohol even figured in controversies with personalities allegedly violating health protocols. Then the acerbic exchange between politicians on redundant policies. There is also the position of the medical community vis-à-vis LGU policies. Meanwhile, a doctor is calling for another tack to replace the expensive RT-PCR test, etc., etc.

After 11 months of suffering from the brunt of the economic slump – no thanks to the shattered tourism industry, the travel policy is revisited.

Let’s visit together this latest executive order which was made effective on March 1, 2021. Let me qualify by saying I only picked the important parts.

This was written in Bisaya. For brevity, I will translate to easy English. I am writing this as a Boholana desiring to visit my birth province and city, and NOT as a tourist.

* Starting March 1, 2021, Bohol will receive Boholanos who desire to come home/visit complete with a negative swab test result. No quarantine is needed.

* Prior coordination with your LGU is required before you make any travel plan.

Proceeding now to the “Q & A” as disseminated online:

QUESTION: Are Boholano residents and returning Boholanos safe with these new protocols.
ANSWER: The new protocols are recommended by DOH experts to help open tourism in Bohol and spur the economy. (This is followed by the reminder to observe health standards: wear mask, wash hands, keep distance).

QUESTION: Can we return to Bohol without a swab test result?

ANSWER: Yes. However, upon arrival, you need to undergo either an RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

QUESTION: Supposing I hold a negative RT-PCR test result (of not more than 72 hours before my arrival), will I be quarantined?

ANSWER: No. You are free to be fetched by family or friends. Validity is for a 3-day stay.

QUESTION: Supposing I hold a negative RAT result (24-48 hours before my arrival), will I undergo a repeat test?

ANSWER: Yes. You need to undergo the 2nd RAT upon arrival in Bohol. RAT result is released in 15-20 minutes. If result is negative, you are free to be fetched by your family and friends. Validity is for a 5-day stay.

QUESTION: Supposing I come home and stay for more than 5 days, what’s the best course of action?

ANSWER: You have the option. If favorable to you, you can take an RT-PCR test (of not more than 72 hours) prior your arrival, then take a repeat swab (test) on the 4th day after your arrival. This is deemed convenient since the LGU will no longer monitor you. You can do as you please. 2 RT-PCR negative test results will make you totally “free”.

However, if you favor RAT, you can take it before returning (24-48 hours prior your arrival in Bohol), take another RAT upon arrival in Bohol, and another RAT on the 6th day, to make you totally “free”.

Like I said, this is personal. So, let me say this: The hassle to visit my home province and city is quite a burden. The cost is high.

Just In: As of Wednesday night, this writer gathered that a subsequent policy would remove the 2nd RT-PCR test requirement, and RAT will no longer be administered; only RT-PCR test.

***Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN

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