JORDAN, Guimaras – Guimaras-bound persons from outside Western Visayas are still required to undergo reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test with negative result for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Gov. Samuel Gumarin affirmed this policy in Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2021 he issued on March 5.
These persons from outside the region include returning overseas Filipino workers (ROFs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), government personnel or government sanctioned/commissioned individuals and non-residents.
The test must be conducted not later than two days before the date of travel of the returning or visiting person.
Gumarin cited as basis for this the Resolution No. 101 of the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infection Diseases released on Feb. 26. Part of it read: “Travelers would no longer be required to undergo RT-PCR testing and quarantine unless the LGU (local government unit) of destination requires such.”
Here are the other salient points of Gumarin’s Executive Order No. 12, Series of 2021:
1. Consistent with the IATF, all subject returning or visiting persons shall no longer be required to undergo quarantine. However, following shall be denied entry:
* those who are positive for COVID-19
* individuals with symptoms referable to COVID-19, unless supported by a medical certificate that he/she is not a COVID-19 case or a negative RT-PCR result, provided however that the symptomatic individual will be subjected to the quarantine protocol of the provincial government
2. AuthorIzed persons outside of residence (APORs) from national government agencies and their attached agencies must provide their identification card, travel order and travel itinerary, and must undergo the screening protocols imposed by the provincial government in accordance with IATF Resolution No. 98-A issued on Feb. 4, 2021 and as reiterated in IATF Resolution No. 010 issued on Feb. 26, 2021.
3. The conduct of RDT on anti-body for COVID-19 for whatever purpose is terminated.
As of Sunday, March 7, Guimaras’ cumulative COVID-19 cases reached 319 with 268 having recovered and six died. This left the island province with 45 active cases./PN
