Guimaras lifts local border restrictions, gradually opens accommodation businesses

The province of Guimaras has lifted local border restrictions as the province saw a downward trend in COVID-19 cases.

Guimaras Governor Samuel T. Gumarin issued Executive Order No. 32 on Thursday, July 22, 2021, modifying protocols imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the province.

Under the EO, local border restrictions have been lifted and “travel passes” are no longer required.

The provincial government has also allowed the operations of ambulant vendors provided minimum health standards will be strictly followed.

Residents of the five municipalities are also now allowed to enter Jordan Food Terminal Market and Buenavista Commercial Complex and Public Utility Market at any day as the previous schedule imposed has been lifted.

“Residents of Jordan, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, Sibunag, and Buenavista may be allowed to enter any of the markets at any day within the prescribed time”.

Moreover, intrazonal movement of fully vaccinated senior citizens will also be allowed subject to the presentation of COVID-19 vaccination card or certificate of quarantine completion issued by the Bureau of Quarantine.

Aside from the lifting of local border restrictions, the provincial government has also given the green light to the operation of all business establishments except those that engage in leisure activities such as but not limited to recreation centers, videoke/karaoke bars, billiard centers, tourism destinations and computer shops.

Dine-in services in food establishments and resorts are now allowed up to 25% of the venue capacity.

Hotels and establishments in the province accredited by the Department of Tourism can accommodate clients up to 25% only of the establishment’s capacity.

Business establishments shall operate from 6 a.m. up to 5 p.m. except for pharmacies which may open up to 6 p.m.

All ongoing construction projects shall be permitted provided they comply with the business operating hours.

Mass and social gatherings are still suspended.

However, religious gatherings may be allowed up to 25% of the venue subject to the observance of the minimum public health standards.

As to transportation, sea vessels shall operate from 6 a.m. up to 6 p.m. while public utility vehicles shall operate from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, returning and visiting persons coming from outside Western Visayas who are not fully vaccinated are still required to present a negative RT-PCR test with the test conducted not later than three days before their date of travel.

Travel within the province is still limited to highly essential travels or those that transport basic commodities; exercise profession or work-related transactions; medical reasons; and other cases determined by the provincial government. Leisure travels are still prohibited.

As of July 20, the province has been monitoring 112 active cases in Buenavista (49); San Lorenzo (26); Nueva Valencia (23); Jordan (10); and Sibunag (4).

The province has been classified by the Department of Health (DOH) as “low risk” and has been placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until July 30, 2021. (ERS)