GUIMARAS – Effective today, Aug. 1, the provincial government of Guimaras will implement more relaxed protocols for inbound travelers vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Gov. JC Rahman Nava signed Executive Order No. 48, series of 2022 modifying the border control measures implemented in the island province as the COVID-19 transmission remains at minimum and manageable levels.
Under the new protocols, non-residents travelling from outside Western Visayas must present a vaccination card or a certificate indicating that they have completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccination and must fill out the Health Declaration Form upon entry to the province.
Non-residents who are traveling from within Region 6, will be able to enter the island without having to fill out a Health Declaration Form if they can present a vaccination card.
Further, all returning residents travelling from outside or within Western Visayas shall fill out only the Health Declaration Form if he/she fails to present a vaccination card.
The provincial government has also extended the period of operation of sea vessels plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route, vice versa.
Passenger vessels can now operate from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. while roll on, roll off vessels may operate from 3:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Other non-passenger or cargo vessels may operate from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, all vessels transporting patients for emergency medical referrals shall not be impeded and vessels carrying fresh and perishable cargoes/goods will not be subjected to further restrictions.
The purpose of the new border policy is to gradually recover the economy of Guimaras from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic./PN
