CHECKPOINT. Local task force members monitor the entry of persons to Laoang, Northern Samar in this undated photo. The local government on Friday (Jan. 8, 2020) imposed new travel regulations to prevent the entry of the more contagious variant of Covid-19 that was first detected in the United Kingdom. (Photo courtesy of Laoang police station)
TACLOBAN CITY – Laoang town in Northern Samar on Friday imposed new travel regulations to prevent the entry of the more contagious variant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) that was first detected in the United Kingdom.
The local inter-agency task force addressing the pandemic approved Resolution 1 requiring all returning residents from outside Eastern Visayas to submit a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or rapid antigen test result for Covid-19.
They include locally stranded individuals, Balik Probinsya beneficiaries, and returning overseas Filipinos.
Vice Mayor Miguel Sarmiento said the test must be done within three days before the arrival, which will serve as one of the requirements in securing a certificate of acceptance from the local disaster risk reduction and management council.
"The test result must be submitted with the contact person and number of the issuing center. This is on top of the required medical certificate and the seven days mandatory quarantine upon arrival," Sarmiento said of the resolution, which was approved on Wednesday.
For authorized persons outside of residence (APORS), the local government would only allow them to transact official business immediately upon their arrival if they also submit a negative RT-PCR or rapid antigen test result.
Those with no test results would be required to undergo the seven days mandatory quarantine before getting a swab test, the resolution stated.
APORS are those who come from either government or private entities whose cross-border movements are allowed in most instances despite the community quarantine restrictions.
They include but are not limited to government workers, such as those in the uniformed services and agencies, food industry (manufacturing, sale, and delivery), hospital, health, and medical staff, and logistics providers (cargo handling, warehouse, etc).
As of Thursday, the town has recorded a total of 126 Covid-19 cases, including 124 recoveries and one death. (PNA)
