BORDER CHECK. Policemen check vehicles at the entry point in Biliran province. The enhanced border closure in Biliran province has been extended on Friday (April 17, 2020) to keep the island free from the coronavirus disease 2019. (Photo courtesy of BiliranIsland.com)
TACLOBAN CITY – The enhanced border closure in Biliran province has been extended to keep the island free from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Governor Rogelio Espina on Friday signed Executive Order No. 24, intensifying the border closure of all the province’s entry points.
The new directive extending the movement restrictions, initially set from March 19 to April 17, will take effect until lifted, he said.
The province restricts entry of non-residents except for health workers, uniformed personnel responding for public health and peace-keeping, government employees with corresponding certifications, and authorized personnel involved in essential services.
“To ensure availability of food supply and continuity of trade and commerce, cargoes transporting basic commodities within, to, and from the province will remain unhampered provided that the accompanying crew or personnel screening and the vehicle will be disinfected,” Espina said.
Returning residents will be allowed entry regardless of the place of origin but will undergo mandatory standard screening procedures and quarantine protocols.
On the other hand, the non-essential exit of residents is not allowed, except for emergency medical procedures.
Espina has also ordered the Philippine Coast Guard and the local government units to secure the province’s coastal borders and prevent the entry of possible Covid-19 carriers.
As part of the province’s enhanced measures, all mass gatherings are prohibited except meetings called for the Covid-19 task force, provided that strict social distancing measure is strictly observed.
The province-wide daily curfew hours start from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. to limit unnecessary movement of people and promote the much-needed social distancing.
All non-essential business operations remain suspended, according to the new directive.
“The provincial government will continue issuing statements for the general public as often as necessary, especially when relevant updates are available,” Espina said.
He reminded the public to be vigilant against fake news and encouraged them to stay indoors, follow physical distancing, wear a face mask, observe quarantine protocols, and practice proper hygiene.
Meanwhile, the island province remains free of the highly contagious Covid-19, according to the Department of Health.
Biliran is the country’s fourth-smallest province a population of 171,612 in eight towns. (PNA)
