ILOILO City – Citing the threat of the Omicron variant of the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Mayor Jerry Treñas is appealing to the public to stay home to avoid and/or stop the spreads of infections.
Iloilo City is on pandemic Alert Level 3 beginning Jan. 9 until Jan. 15 as ordered by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) due to rising COVID-19 cases.
“We will make use of this time to stay home as much as possible, maintain strictly the minimum health protocols, no mass gatherings, and reduce capacities in our work places and businesses,” said Treñas.
He also advised those feeling unwell to stay home and isolate, and be tested, and for the general public to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or get booster shots.
Treñas said vaccination and booster cards will be required when entering government offices, malls and other places.
ALERT LEVEL 3 PROTOCOLS
In Executive Order No.004-2022, Treñas emphasized that “to prevent another lockdown and forcible temporary closure of businesses in the city, certain protocols must be reiterated to maintain the status quo”.
The city mayor cited the data gathered by the Iloilo City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the City Health Office showing a drastic increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases in Iloilo City, and for which the Iloilo City COVID Team prescribed more stringent measures to stop the surge.
CURFEW
For the period covered by Alert Level 3, the general curfew here is from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. except for those whose work arrangements require employees to go to work after curfew hours – business process outsourcing, warehouses and logistics (and similar businesses) ports, arrastre, food manufacturing, storage and preservation, hospitals, media, and other similar businesses or occupations.
INBOUND TRAVELERS
Fully vaccinated travelers from Negros Island must submit a copy of their vaccination card or duly issued certification and valid ID while those partially vaccinated/unvaccinated must present a negative swab test result issued not more than 72 hours prior to the date of travel coupled with a valid ID.
Interzonal and intrazonal travel within Western Visayas, other than from those from Negros Island, are permitted subject to restrictions on the movement of vulnerable sectors but non-essential travel to Iloilo City is strongly discouraged.
Meanwhile, all inbound travelers from outside Region 6 such as returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Authorized Persons Outside Residence (except for APOR staying for less 24 hours) including accompanying minors aged (5-17), Returning Iloilo City Residents including those accompanying minors aged (5-17) years old, and essential travelers and tourists, regardless of vaccination status, must have negative RT-PCR test with specimen collected at least 72 hours before travel to Iloilo City.
The negative swab test result is on top of their requirements such as travel permit via the S-Pass system, valid ID, Vaccination Card or Vaccine Certificate Certification, and among others.
Upon arrival here, fully vaccinated individuals who develop COVID-19 signs and symptoms have to submit themselves to swab testing conducted by the USWAG Iloilo Molecular Laboratory, without cost. Strict isolation must be observed while awaiting release of results.
Partially vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, on the other hand, must undergo facility or home quarantine upon arrival.
On the third day of their quarantine, they shall undergo swab testing until the release of the negative result. If the result is positive, the subject returning resident must strictly comply with instructions given by the local health authorities.
ROFs with travel history from countries classified as Red, regardless of vaccination status, shall be required to complete quarantine under a home quarantine set-up for 14 days from date of arrival and shall likewise undergo RT-PCR testing, five days from date of arrival.
RESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF VULNERABLE SECTORS
Children below 12 years of age and those belonging to the vulnerable population are strongly encouraged to remain in their residences at all times, except when obtaining essential goods and services and medical or clinical care.
Also, individuals below 12 years and those 65 years old and above will not be allowed to enter malls and shopping centers.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Public utility vehicles such as public utility jeepneys and other motor vehicles offering service to the public within Iloilo City can operate at a maximum 70 percent capacity in accordance with LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2021-064.
Physical barriers are no longer required; however, passengers are strongly encouraged to maintain adequate social distance (one seat apart) and strict observance of other health protocols.
PUBLIC CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR
The consumption in public of any form of liquor or alcoholic beverages is prohibited while sale is allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. subject to existing restrictions as imposed by Local Ordinances such as “Liquor Ban for Minors”.
ALLOWED INDUSTRIES AND ACTIVITIES
Establishments with 100 percent of its personnel and staff reporting on-site and serving patrons are fully vaccinated and with Safety Seal Certification are allowed 50 percent indoor dining capacity and 70 percent al fresco dining; establishments with Safety Seal only are allowed (40 percent indoor dining) and 60 percent alfresco dining.
Establishments whose personnel and staff reporting on site are 100% fully vaccinated but without Safety Seal are allowed 40 percent indoor dining and 50 percent al fesco dining.
Establishments without Safety Seal and whose personnel and staff reporting on site are not fully vaccinated are allowed 10 indoor dining and 30 percent al fresco dining.
Meanwhile, the following establishments, or activities, are allowed at a maximum of 30 percent indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity:
* Visitor or tourist attractions such as libraries, archives, museums, galleries, parks, plazas, public gardens, scenic viewpoints or overlooks, and the like;
* Recreational venues such as internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, skating rinks, archery halls, swimming pools, and similar venues;
* Cinemas and movie houses,
* Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for basic education
* Limited face-to-face or in-person classes for higher education and for technical-vocational education and training;
* Licensure or entrance/qualifying examinations
* Dine-in services of food preparation establishments such as kiosks, commissaries, restaurants, and eateries
* Personal care establishments such as barbershops, hair spas, hair salons, and nail spas
* Fitness studios, gyms, and venues for individual non-contact exercise;
* Film, music, and television production
* Theaters
PROHIBITED ESTABLISHMENTS, ACTIVITIES.
The following establishments and/or activities characterized as high-risk for transmission are not allowed to operate, or be undertaken:
* Face to face or in-person classes for basic education, except those previously approved by the IATF and/or the Office of the President;
* Contact sports and non-contact sports, except those conducted under a bubble-type setup as provided for under relevant guidelines adopted by the IATF, Games and Amusement Board, and Philippine Sports Commission, and approved by the LGU where such games shall be held;
* Funfairs/peryas and kid amusement industries such as playgrounds, playroom, and kiddie rides;
* Venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as in karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls, and theaters;
* Bars, nightclubs, disco clubs, KTV establishments and other similar establishments operating within Iloilo City shall temporarily be prohibited from operating until 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 15, 2022. Restobars however may continue to operate in so far as food service is concerned;
* Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except as may be authorized by the IATF or the Office of the President; and
* Gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household./PN
