The provincial government of Negros Occidental will require inbound travelers to present a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result regardless of vaccination status starting January 9.
The additional requirement is provided in Executive Order (EO) 21-61-A issued by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Thursday night as a measure to curb the possible increase of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the province.
“There is a need to amend (sections in EO 21-61) in order to impose restrictions discouraging air, sea, and land travel to the province to prevent the possible increase of Covid-19 cases in (Negros Occidental),” Lacson said in the directive.
In the previous order, fully vaccinated individuals were only required to submit a vaccination card or certificate along with an S-PaSS or Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage document to enter the province.
Only those unvaccinated and partially vaccinated were required to submit a negative RT-PCR test result before travel.
In the interim from January 7 to 9, the Provincial Health Office will conduct rapid antigen testing for incoming passengers in airports and seaports in the province.
Lacson also ordered a reduction in the frequency of air travel from areas under Alert Level 3 status.
As such, Manila-Bacolod-Manila flights will revert to one flight per day per airline while Cebu-Bacolod-Cebu flights will be limited to one flight per airline per week.
For sea travel from areas under Alert Level 3, vessels will be allowed to admit passengers up to 50 percent of their passenger capacity limit.
Meanwhile, individuals who will present fake documentary requirements will face criminal sanctions and be subjected to a 14-day quarantine at a provincial healing facility and an RT-PCR test on the fifth day after arrival at his or her expense.
On Thursday, Negros Occidental recorded 208 active Covid-19 cases, higher by 29 compared to 179 cases on Wednesday, data of the Provincial Incident Management Team showed.
Source: Philippines News Agency
