Local governments bring back tighter restrictions amid Omicron threat
SEVERAL local governments outside the capital region have reimposed border control measures and other restrictions, aiming to be a step ahead of a potential surge in coronavirus cases now seen in Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces.
Iloilo province and the independent city of Iloilo have brought back the negative RT-PCR test result requirement for all incoming persons regardless of vaccination status.
The rule will be in effect tentatively until Jan. 15.
Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. said in a statement that there is a need to tighten health protocols “considering the rising COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) cases in Metro Manila and potential surge in the Province of Iloilo.”
“We will strictly enforce the protocols because we do not want to have another surge to happen in the city and prevent another wave of lockdowns. We plead for the cooperation of everyone for the safety of all,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said in a separate statement.
Mr. Treñas has also ordered the temporary closure of bars and public consumption of alcohol has again been banned. The sale of liquor is still allowed.
As of Jan. 5, there were 1,657 active coronavirus cases in the Western Visayas region out of 146,422 recorded since March 2020, based on data from the Department of Health regional office. Of the total active cases, there 116 in Iloilo City and 518 in Iloilo province.
At least two cases of the coronavirus Omicron variant — both returning overseas workers — have been detected in the region, one each in the cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.
Other major areas in the Visayas such as Cebu and Tacloban City, which are still in the thick of recovery efforts from typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) that struck in mid-December, no pandemic-related restrictions have been adjusted so far.
LUZON, MINDANAO
In Pangasinan, one of the first provinces in northern Luzon to ease rules for tourists, a curfew from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. is again in effect.
Unvaccinated individuals are also banned from commercial establishments such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and restaurants, based on the executive order issued by Gov. Amado I. Espino III.
Neighboring Baguio City earlier announced a reduction in the number of daily tourists who will be given permit through the local government’s pre-registration site.
In Mindanao, urban centers and hosts of gateways such as the cities of Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and General Santos are maintaining the eased mobility and travel rules until the 15th.
However, mayors and local health authorities have been ramping up information campaigns for the continued observance of minimum health protocols such as wearing of face mask and distancing.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is also continuing across the country. — MSJ
