Despite the rise of COVID-19 cases in Manila and the discovery of a Brazilian variant in Western Visayas, the provincial government was forced to implement today, March 15, the unified travel guidelines issued by the National Inter-Agency Task Force.
Gov. Eugenio Lacson said that despite the working protocols that were set in place by the provincial government it has no choice but to adopt Resolution 101 of the IATF.
In his executive order signed Saturday and for implementation starting today, Lacson explained that all inbound passengers are no longer required to undergo facility quarantine on arrival in the province. Instead, they will only undergo a seven-day home quarantine in their respective localities.
But the governor clarified in the EO that a Negative RT-PCR results prior to travel will now be a requirement, instead of the mandatory swabbing upon arrival. Those who failed to show a negative result before boarding will not be allowed to travel. All RT-PCR negative result must be taken 72 hours prior to travel, and must be conducted and issued by a DOH accredited molecular laboratory.
Capitol also adopted the S-PaSS system where passengers are required to secure an electronic or printed copy of the Approved Travel Coordination Permit before boarding for their scheduled trip.
The EO also added that all airports, seaports and terminals in Negros Occidental shall be open to the public, including public and private vehicle to shuttle travelers.
The province of Negros Occidental will offer voluntary “swab and go,” and voluntary swabbing and quarantine to inbound passengers at the airport and seaports, the EO added.
