Iloilo Province brings back swab test requirement for inbound travelers

Free swab test in Iloilo city

The Iloilo provincial government will again require COVID-19 swab tests for inbound travelers, including those fully vaccinated, in response to the surge of cases in Metro Manila.

Returning residents and non-residents, regardless of vaccination status, shall be required negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours from travel to the province.

Those fully vaccinated shall be required of a negative RT-PCR rest result starting January 10.

Authorized Persons Outside their Residences (APORs) traveling from outside Region VI shall likewise be required negative RT-PCR test result 72 hours from travel, subject to the approval of the IATF.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. issued Executive Order No. 001 Series of 2022 extending the Alert Level 2 status in the province of Iloilo until January 15, 2022 and amending Executive Order No. 646.

Furthermore, Defensor increased the flights for Cebu City to Iloilo and vice versa to nine flights per week.

Eating and drinking (except water) shall not be allowed during the flight. Passengers are also discouraged from unnecessary verbal communication while on board.

High risk establishments and gatherings shall require a Health Protocol Officer.

The Philippine National Police and local task forces should monitor, inspect and exercise visitorial powers to monitor their compliance to minimum public health standards.

Defensor said there is a need to tighten health protocols “considering the rising COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and potential surge in the Province of Iloilo.”

The governor met with the mayors, health cluster, and concerned government agencies on January 4 to discuss the adjustments on protocols and strategies to prevent the possible transmission of the new coronavirus variant. (Capitol news)

About Nonoy Taclino

Nonoy Taclino is a pioneer blogger and social media manager in Iloilo, with 15 years of experience under his belt.

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